Bixler #5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Bixler #5 is a privately owned earth dam located on Holmes Creek in Custer County, Montana.


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Summary

Built in 1948, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a dam height of 31 feet and a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet, Bixler #5 has a low hazard potential and is currently in a not rated condition assessment.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Bixler #5 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam is situated in a picturesque area with a scenic view of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to visit. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain infrastructure like spillways and outlet gates, it continues to provide valuable water resources for the local community.

Overall, Bixler #5 is a significant structure in the region, contributing to water management and conservation efforts. Its presence on Holmes Creek enhances the ecosystem and provides essential services for both wildlife and human activities. As an integral part of the local water infrastructure, Bixler #5 stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

HOLMES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

31

Nid Storage

65

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

31
       
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.