Doggett Reservoir
Doggett Reservoir is an earth dam located in Meagher County, Montana, built in 1948. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Doggett Reservoir
The primary purpose of Doggett Reservoir is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Camas Creek Cattle & Sheep Co (private). It impounds the Tr-elk Creek near Great Falls.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 420 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 24 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 540 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 12 square miles. Completed in 1948, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/07/2024.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Montana dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Montana |
| County | Meagher |
| Nearest City | Great Falls |
| River/Stream | Tr-elk Creek |
| Coordinates | 46.67050, -111.22720 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 420 ft |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 540 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 540 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 24 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | CAMAS CREEK CATTLE & SHEEP CO |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/07/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT00860 |
| Federal ID | MT00860 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |