Prairie Nest Ranch 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Prairie Nest Ranch 4 is a private irrigation dam located in Fort Benton, Montana, along the Rogers Coulee river.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earth-type dam stands at 28 feet high and has a storage capacity of 704 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is in good condition with a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Prairie Nest Ranch 4 serves the primary purpose of irrigation in the area. The dam is state-regulated, with regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The surrounding area, with its scenic views and abundant wildlife, relies on this dam for water resource management and agricultural needs.

As a crucial piece of infrastructure in the region, Prairie Nest Ranch 4 plays a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem and economy. With its strategic location and efficient design, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Montana.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

75

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

ROGERS COULEE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

704

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

28
       
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.