Prairie Nest Ranch 2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Prairie Nest Ranch 2 is a privately owned dam located in Fort Benton, Montana, along the TR-BOX ELDER CREEK.


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Summary

Built in 1920, this earth dam stands at 20 feet high and has a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet, primarily serving purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Despite its low hazard potential, Prairie Nest Ranch 2 has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no information available regarding its emergency action plan (EAP) or risk management measures. The dam has not been modified in recent years, and it does not have any associated structures or outlet gates. Owned by a private entity, this dam plays a crucial role in providing essential water resources for agricultural and ecological purposes in the Cascade County region of Montana.

Overall, Prairie Nest Ranch 2 serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management in the area, contributing to fire protection, livestock support, and small fish pond maintenance. With its historical significance dating back to the early 20th century, this dam represents a blend of traditional engineering practices and modern regulatory oversight, ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Prairie Nest Ranch 2 offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems in the Montana landscape.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-BOX ELDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.