Custer Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Custer Creek in Prairie, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

With a height of 30 feet and a length of 2000 feet, this dam serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 685 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 446 acre-feet, and a maximum discharge of 600 cfs.

Located in the Omaha District, Custer Creek Dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspection, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, with no Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place. Although the risk assessment and management measures are not specified, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for the surrounding area and maintaining ecosystem health in Custer Creek.

Overall, Custer Creek Dam stands as a vital structure for water resource management in the region, serving multiple purposes while adhering to state regulations and oversight. As a key element in the local water infrastructure, the dam plays a critical role in fire protection, livestock management, and ecological sustainability. With its long history of service and maintenance by the USDA NRCS, Custer Creek Dam remains an essential asset for water and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable water resource management.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

2000

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

CUSTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

1.39

Nid Storage

685

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.