Margaret Hays #1 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Christianson Teds Reservoir
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Margaret Hays #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Wolf Point, Montana, along the TR-Shade Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, livestock watering, and small fish pond management. With a height of 24 feet and a length of 500 feet, Margaret Hays #1 has a storage capacity of 169 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.22 square miles.
Despite its age, this dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. It is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam's spillway width is 200 feet and it can discharge a maximum of 2000 cubic feet per second in case of heavy rainfall or flooding events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Margaret Hays #1 presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Its multiple functions and the regulatory oversight it undergoes demonstrate the importance of sustainable water management practices in mitigating potential hazards and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, understanding the management and maintenance of structures like Margaret Hays #1 is essential for building resilient water systems in the face of increasing challenges.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SHADE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
1.22 |
Nid Storage |
169 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Nelson Creek Near Van Norman Mt
|
33cfs |
Milk River At Nashua Mt
|
233cfs |
Missouri River Near Wolf Point Mt
|
5020cfs |
Redwater River At Circle Mt
|
4cfs |
Poplar River Near Poplar Mt
|
28cfs |
Milk River At Tampico Mt
|
123cfs |
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.
Margaret Hays #1