Payton Place Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Payton Place is a privately owned earthen dam located in Cascade, Montana, near the city of Black Eagle.


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Summary

Completed in 1965, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 200 feet, Payton Place has a storage capacity of 128 acre-feet and is primarily regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

Situated on the TR-Sun River, Payton Place is classified as having a low hazard potential, with its condition currently not rated. While the dam has not been inspected recently and does not have an emergency action plan in place, its state-regulated status ensures that it is subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The dam's location within the Walla Walla District and Congressional District 00 of Montana highlights its importance in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Payton Place represents a significant infrastructure that plays a crucial role in supporting local water needs and ecosystems. As a key component in the area's fire protection and agricultural activities, understanding and monitoring the condition of this dam is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. The collaboration between private ownership and state regulatory agencies underscores the importance of balancing water management practices with environmental conservation efforts to address the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-SUN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

128

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.