Forest Creek (Custer) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ronning #1 Bumgardner
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Forest Creek in Custer County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1971 by the USDA NRCS for multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond.
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Summary
With a dam height of 25 feet and a length of 675 feet, this structure has a storage capacity of 277 acre-feet and serves a drainage area of 1.55 square miles. The dam is regulated by the Montana DNRC and is inspected regularly to ensure its safety and functionality.
Located in Miles City, Montana, Forest Creek dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled with a width of 120 feet, and the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1200 cubic feet per second. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam is maintained in accordance with state regulatory guidelines to mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation. This structure plays a crucial role in water resource management and ecosystem support in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure for climate resilience and water conservation efforts.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
675 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
FOREST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
25 |
Drainage Area |
1.55 |
Nid Storage |
277 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Forest Creek (Custer)