Whitetail (Custer) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Monarch #3 Hook #2
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Whitetail (Custer) is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Miles City, Montana, along Whitetail Creek.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Constructed in 1952 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1800 cubic feet per second. The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 1575 feet in length, regulating water flow for agricultural use in the region.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Whitetail (Custer) is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and agricultural sustainability in Custer County. Despite its age, Whitetail (Custer) continues to support local irrigation needs efficiently and effectively.
Located within Congressional District 00, Montana, Whitetail (Custer) is a key infrastructure for water supply in the area. With its design by the USDA NRCS and state jurisdiction ensuring proper oversight, the dam exemplifies the collaboration between federal and state agencies in managing water resources for the benefit of local communities. As climate change impacts water availability, dams like Whitetail (Custer) play a vital role in ensuring a reliable water supply for agricultural activities and ecosystem health in the region.
Year Completed |
1952 |
Dam Length |
1575 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
WHITETAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
22.97 |
Nid Storage |
65 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Whitetail (Custer)