Chicken Reservoir Report
Last Updated: February 3, 2026
Chicken is a privately owned earth dam located in Fergus County, Montana, with a primary purpose of fire protection, livestock watering, and small fish pond management.
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Summary
Constructed in 1948 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 18 feet in height and spans 300 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 289 acre-feet and serves the Taffy Creek watershed, covering a drainage area of 2.54 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, Chicken is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). The dam has not been modified in recent years, and its emergency action plan (EAP) status, risk assessment, and management measures remain undisclosed. With the potential for serving as a fire protection barrier and a water source for livestock and fish, Chicken stands as a vital resource in the region, warranting continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its reliability and safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
Located in a remote area with minimal surrounding infrastructure, Chicken's presence contributes to the resilience of the local ecosystem and community. Its association with the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers and its designation for multiple purposes highlight its significance for water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate change, understanding the role and condition of dams like Chicken is crucial for safeguarding water availability and ecosystem health in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TAFFY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
2.54 |
Nid Storage |
289 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Hourly Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Judith River Nr Mouth
|
368cfs |
Missouri River Near Landusky Mt
|
9100cfs |
Peoples Creek Near Hays Mt
|
4cfs |
Missouri River At Virgelle Mt
|
5490cfs |
Teton River At Loma Mt
|
127cfs |
Milk River Near Harlem Mt
|
69cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
MCGARRY BAR
|
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STAFFORD FERRY
|
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GREASEWOOD BOTTOM
|
Chicken