Fox #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Fox #4 is a privately owned dam located in Custer County, Montana, specifically in the city of Mizpah.


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Summary

Built in 1957, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and has a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet, primarily serving purposes such as fire protection, stock water supply, and a small fish pond. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state agency to ensure safety and compliance.

Situated on the TR-Elmhurst Creek, Fox #4 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. The dam does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, and there are no inundation maps prepared or risk assessment conducted for the site. Despite its low risk profile, the dam plays a significant role in water resource management in the area and highlights the importance of proper regulation and maintenance for sustainable water utilization in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fox #4 serves as a case study in the intersection of private ownership, state regulation, and the vital role of dams in supporting various water-related activities in rural communities.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-ELMHURST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

26

Nid Storage

144

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.