Kuester Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Kuester is a privately owned earth dam located in Poplar, Richland County, Montana.


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Summary

Built in 1958 and designed by USDA NRCS, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 300 feet, Kuester has a storage capacity of 845 acre-feet and a drainage area of 12.69 square miles. The dam is situated on TR-East Redwater Creek and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources Conservation (DNRC).

Despite its significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment rating, Kuester has not been conditionally assessed and its emergency action plan (EAP) is not up to date. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 175 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1050 cubic feet per second. While there have been no recent inspections or maintenance records available, Kuester remains a vital structure for fire protection and water resource management in the region. As a key facility in controlling water flow and providing essential services, Kuester plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR-EAST REDWATER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

12.69

Nid Storage

845

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

32
       
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.