Prairie Nest Ranch 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Prairie Nest Ranch 1, located in Fort Benton, Montana, is a privately owned irrigation dam built in 1956 on the West Fork Rogers Coulee.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 143 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 83 acre-feet. It serves the primary purpose of irrigation and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The dam has a low hazard potential and its condition is currently rated as "Not Rated".

This earth dam, with a length of 300 feet, plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities in the area by providing water for irrigation. As a privately owned structure, it is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared, and its risk assessment and management measures are currently unspecified.

With its strategic location and importance for water resource management, Prairie Nest Ranch 1 represents a significant infrastructure for sustaining agricultural activities in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is essential to monitor and maintain such structures to ensure their resilience and efficiency in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

WEST FORK ROGERS COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

143

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.