Whitetail (Daniels) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 10, 2026

Whitetail (Daniels) is a state-owned irrigation dam located in Daniels, Montana, along Whitetail Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 21.2 feet and has a storage capacity of 381 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 198 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Whitetail (Daniels) plays a crucial role in providing water for irrigation purposes in the region.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Whitetail (Daniels) is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam has not been modified over the years and has a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second. Despite its relatively low hazard potential, Whitetail (Daniels) serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the area, ensuring reliable water supply for agricultural activities and sustaining the local ecosystem along Whitetail Creek.

Located in Congressional District 00 of Montana, Whitetail (Daniels) is overseen by state authorities and adheres to state regulatory guidelines. Despite not having a designated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or updated risk assessment measures, the dam continues to provide essential irrigation water storage and management services for the benefit of the surrounding community. With its historical significance and ongoing operational importance, Whitetail (Daniels) stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in Montana.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

975

Dam Height

21.2

River Or Stream

WHITETAIL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

21.2

Drainage Area

10.2

Nid Storage

381

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.