Hingham Sandy Sage Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Hingham Sandy Sage, located in Hingham, Montana, is a privately-owned earth dam built in 1920 primarily for irrigation purposes along the Hingham Coulee.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a dam height of 15 feet and a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources for agricultural activities in the region. It is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not yet rated for its condition, Hingham Sandy Sage serves as a key irrigation infrastructure in Hill County, Montana. The dam's strategic location and design allow for efficient water storage and distribution for agricultural activities, contributing to the region's water security and resilience to climate variability. As part of the broader water management system, this dam plays a vital role in sustaining local farming communities and enhancing the overall water resource management in the area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Hingham Sandy Sage in sustaining agricultural livelihoods and adapting to changing climate conditions is essential. By recognizing the role of such infrastructure in water management and irrigation, we can appreciate the interconnectedness of water resources, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability in rural communities like Hingham. This underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and regulatory oversight to ensure the continued functionality and safety of dams like Hingham Sandy Sage in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

HINGHAM COULEE

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.