Homestead Retention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Homestead Retention Dam, located in Glendive, Montana, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock maintenance, and small fish pond management.


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Summary

Constructed in 1964 by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a hydraulic height of 16 feet. With a storage capacity of 440.03 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 29.35 acres and is situated on Cherry Creek near the Yellowstone River.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently deemed unsatisfactory, with a moderate risk level assigned. The last inspection in July 2019 revealed the need for improvements to meet safety guidelines. As a federal-owned structure, the Bureau of Land Management is responsible for its funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, and operation. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams will find Homestead Retention Dam an intriguing case study in balancing multiple functions while ensuring safety and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

758

River Or Stream

CHERRY CK./YELLOWSTONE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

29.35

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

440.03

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.