M Newby Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dodson Diversion Rocky #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
M Newby is a private dam located in Phillips County, Montana, specifically in the city of Wagner along Dry Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1955, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 154 acre-feet, with a primary purpose of providing fire protection, stock, or a small fish pond. The dam is owned privately and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated", M Newby serves as a vital resource for water management in the region. The dam has not been modified over the years and lacks certain safety features such as spillways, locks, and outlet gates. Despite these limitations, the dam continues to fulfill its intended purposes effectively, contributing to the overall water security and ecosystem health in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, M Newby represents a unique case study of a privately owned dam in a rural setting. Its location, design, and operational characteristics provide valuable insights into water infrastructure management and regulatory practices at the state level. As the debate around water resource sustainability and climate resilience continues to evolve, understanding the role of dams like M Newby becomes increasingly important for informed decision-making and future planning efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
154 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
M Newby