Marias Hereford Ranch #30 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fowl Mouth Jim Judisch
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Marias Hereford Ranch #30 is a privately owned earth dam located in Pondera, Montana, specifically in the city of Loma.
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Summary
Completed in 1960, this dam serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 8 feet and a length of 300 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 34 acre-feet. Despite being classified as low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment has not been rated.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Marias Hereford Ranch #30 is regulated on a state level, with regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting in place. The dam is situated on diffused surface water and falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain structural features like spillways or outlet gates, it remains a crucial resource for the ranch and surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Marias Hereford Ranch #30 presents an interesting case study of a privately owned dam providing essential services in rural Montana. The dam's location, design, and primary purposes offer insight into the intersection of agriculture, water management, and environmental conservation in the region. As discussions around dam safety and infrastructure continue to evolve, understanding the role of structures like Marias Hereford Ranch #30 is vital for ensuring sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
DIFFUSED SURFACE WATER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Marias River Near Shelby Mt
|
305cfs |
Teton River Near Dutton Mt
|
83cfs |
Marias River Near Chester Mt
|
249cfs |
Cut Bank Creek At Cut Bank Mt
|
138cfs |
Lake Creek Near Power Mt
|
30cfs |
Muddy Creek At Vaughn Mt
|
86cfs |
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.
Marias Hereford Ranch #30