Payton #2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Shumaker #1 Payton #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Payton #2 is a privately owned dam located in Prairie County, Montana, specifically in the city of Fallon.
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Summary
Built in 1954, this earth dam stands at 30 feet tall and spans 200 feet in length. It primarily serves the purposes of fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond, with a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 71 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Little Whitney Creek and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Despite its low hazard potential, Payton #2 has not been assigned a condition assessment rating and lacks emergency action preparedness measures such as an emergency action plan (EAP) or updated inundation maps. The dam is not under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers and has not undergone any significant modifications since its construction. With its location in a rural area and limited associated structures, Payton #2 provides essential water resources for fire protection and livestock in the region. Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate adaptation may find interest in the regulatory oversight and operational aspects of this privately owned dam.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE WHITNEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
98 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Payton #2