Scott Ranch Reservoir Report
Nearby: Decameter Decarboxylation
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Scott Ranch, located in Ledger, Montana, is home to a vital water resource infrastructure known as the Scott Ranch Dam.
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Summary
Built in 1961 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 725 feet, with a storage capacity of 284 acre-feet of water. The primary purpose of this dam is irrigation, serving the surrounding agricultural lands and ensuring water security for the ranch.
Situated on the Dry Fork Marias River, the Scott Ranch Dam is regulated by the DNRC and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam plays a crucial role in water management in Pondera County, Montana. Despite lacking certain risk management measures and emergency preparedness protocols, the Scott Ranch Dam remains a key infrastructure for sustaining the water needs of the local community.
In a time of increasing climate variability and water scarcity, the Scott Ranch Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management. With its strategic location and efficient irrigation capabilities, this dam serves as a lifeline for agricultural activities in the region, highlighting the intersection of water resources, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
725 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
DRY FORK MARIAS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
10.5 |
Nid Storage |
284 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Scott Ranch