Baby Food Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Fergus County, Montana, the Baby Food dam on Little Box Elder Creek was completed in 1940 and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

This privately owned earth dam stands at 15 feet tall and spans 400 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is subject to regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting.

Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, the Baby Food dam plays a crucial role in the local water resource ecosystem. Its location in Mosby and proximity to Congressional District 00, Montana, underscores its importance in providing vital water supply and management services to the surrounding area. As a key structure on Little Box Elder Creek, the dam contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region and supports ecological and agricultural activities.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance and functional versatility of the Baby Food dam, which has been in operation for over 80 years. With its primary purpose of fire protection and secondary roles in stock and fish pond management, this dam exemplifies the intersection of human needs and environmental stewardship. While its current risk assessment and emergency preparedness status are not fully disclosed, the dam's presence on the landscape highlights the ongoing importance of sustainable water resource management in Montana's rural communities.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

LITTLE BOX ELDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.