Turner Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sister Sledge Closed Doors
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Turner is a private irrigation dam located in Liberty, Montana, along Laird Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1935 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans 400 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet, Turner primarily serves the purpose of irrigation for the surrounding agricultural lands. Despite its age, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition.
Operated and regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Turner is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam has a spillway width of 42 feet and a maximum discharge of 216 cubic feet per second. However, the last inspection date recorded for Turner dates back to January 1962, indicating a potential need for updated assessments and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality for the community it serves.
Located in Congressional District 00, Montana, Turner is overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and does not fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. With its vital role in providing irrigation water to the area, it is essential for stakeholders and authorities to prioritize regular inspections, risk assessments, and maintenance to safeguard the dam's integrity and the water resources it supports in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
LAIRD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
2.81 |
Nid Storage |
62 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Turner