Matador Ranch #4 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Matador Ranch #6 Matador Ranch #8
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Matador Ranch #4, located in Phillips County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1965 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Situated on Bear Gulch, this structure stands at a height of 12 feet and spans 150 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Matador Ranch #4 is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam's emergency action plan and risk assessment details are not specified in the data, its strategic location in Malta, Montana, ensures efficient response in case of any event. The dam's primary purpose of fire protection highlights its significance in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential wildfires, especially during the dry seasons.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and patterns, the maintenance and monitoring of structures like Matador Ranch #4 become increasingly vital. With its low hazard potential and state-regulated status, this dam serves as a critical asset for water storage and management in the region, contributing to the resilience of local ecosystems and communities in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
BEAR GULCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
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.
Matador Ranch #4