Physic Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Physic Creek, located in Custer, Montana, is a privately owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1952, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a storage capacity of 529 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Physic Creek, with a drainage area of 27.44 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 2400 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the DNRC, Physic Creek Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam remains a crucial water resource infrastructure for the surrounding agricultural community in Terry, Montana. With state regulation, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam ensures a reliable water supply for irrigation while mitigating potential risks to downstream areas.

Although lacking detailed information on emergency action plans and risk assessments, Physic Creek Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water management in the region. With its strategic location and design, the dam continues to play a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Montana.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

PHYSIC CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

27.44

Nid Storage

529

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.