Ayers Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ayers is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Meagher, Montana, near the city of Great Falls.


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Summary

Built in 1946, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Ayers is to provide water for irrigation in the surrounding area, with the dam regulating water flow from the TR-Ayers Gulch stream.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Ayers is considered to have a low hazard potential and its condition has not been officially assessed. Although the dam has not been rated, it is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state regulatory agency. Despite being a privately owned structure, Ayers is subject to state jurisdiction and oversight, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance.

Situated in Congressional District 00 of Montana, Ayers plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. With its modest height and storage capacity, the dam provides essential water for agricultural activities while maintaining a low risk profile. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Ayers in sustaining irrigation practices in the area and contributing to the overall water management efforts in Montana.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

175

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TR-AYERS GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Nid Storage

200

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.
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Area Campgrounds