Saucer #5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Saucer #5 is a privately owned earth dam located in Prairie County, Montana, near the city of Fallon.


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Summary

Completed in 1940, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. It stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet.

Situated on Little Whitney Creek, Saucer #5 is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Despite its age, Saucer #5 has not undergone any significant modifications and continues to operate effectively.

While Saucer #5 may not be a high-profile dam, its importance lies in its contribution to local water supply and ecosystem support. As climate change continues to impact water resources, dams like Saucer #5 play a vital role in providing water for irrigation, livestock, and wildlife, highlighting the interconnectedness of water management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

LITTLE WHITNEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

82

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.