Yankee Doodle Tailings Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Yankee Doodle Tailings Dam, located in Butte, Montana, stands at an impressive height of 570 feet and stretches over 13,200 feet in length.


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Summary

Completed in 1972, this rockfill dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in the state. The dam is situated on the Yankee Doodle and Silver Bow Creek, posing a high hazard potential but currently maintaining a satisfactory condition assessment.

Managed by a private owner, Yankee Doodle Tailings Dam is subject to regular state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The Mine Safety and Health Administration oversees regulatory matters related to the dam, with the last inspection conducted in February 2020. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment details are not currently available, raising questions about its emergency preparedness and risk management measures.

As a crucial infrastructure in water resource management and climate resiliency efforts, Yankee Doodle Tailings Dam plays a significant role in the region's water storage and flood control capabilities. With its notable height and extensive length, the dam's structural integrity and emergency response readiness are essential aspects to monitor for water resource and climate enthusiasts concerned about the safety and sustainability of this critical infrastructure.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

13200

Dam Height

570

River Or Stream

YANKEE DOODLE & SILVER BOW CR

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Hydraulic Height

570

Nid Storage

7200

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

570
       
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.