Mcferran #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mcferran #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Big Horn, Montana, near the city of Pompey's Piller.


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Summary

Built in 1928, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock water supply, and small fish pond maintenance. With a height of 25 feet and a length of 250 feet, Mcferran #1 has a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, making it a vital resource for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Mcferran #1 is classified as a low hazard dam with a condition assessment of "Not Rated." Despite its age, this dam continues to provide essential services to the community and is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. Situated on Telegraph Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Mcferran #1 becomes increasingly evident. By staying proactive and adhering to regulatory guidelines, this earth dam serves as a valuable asset for fire protection, livestock, and ecological sustainability in the area.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TELEGRAPH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Nid Storage

52

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.