Holly Sugar Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sidney Sewage Lagoon Sturgis
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Holly Sugar, Lower is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Sidney, Montana, along the L Yellowstone Main Canal.
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Summary
Built in 1929, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 450 feet. With a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet, Holly Sugar, Lower primarily serves the purpose of irrigation in the region.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), this dam is regulated by the state and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," Holly Sugar, Lower has not been modified over the years and has not had an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared or updated.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the infrastructure of irrigation systems in Montana may find Holly Sugar, Lower to be an intriguing case study. Its location, design, purpose, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the management of water resources in the region and the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for agricultural and environmental sustainability.
Year Completed |
1929 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
L YELLOWSTONE MAIN CANAL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Holly Sugar, Lower