Widower Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Widower is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Pondera, Montana, near the city of Ledger.
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Summary
Built in 1954 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 18 feet and has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-LONE MAN COULEE river/stream and serves the primary purpose of irrigation in the region.
Managed by the Montana DNRC, Widower dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, but it continues to play a vital role in supporting agricultural activities in the area. As a key water resource structure in the region, Widower dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for water management and irrigation purposes.
Despite its age, Widower dam remains an essential component of the water infrastructure in Pondera County, Montana. With a history of providing water for irrigation since its construction, the dam continues to be monitored and maintained to ensure its integrity and functionality. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Widower dam in sustaining agricultural activities and water management in the region.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
150 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TR-LONE MAN COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
1.03 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Widower