Cattle Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Balsam #3 W E Scott #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cattle Dam, located in Custer, Montana, was completed in 1945 and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and a small fish pond.
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Summary
Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35 acre-feet. Situated on Trail Creek, this dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by the state.
With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is currently not rated, Cattle Dam contributes to water resource management in the area. The dam is located in a remote location near the city of O'Neil and is primarily used for agricultural and fire protection purposes. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it plays a crucial role in providing water for livestock and mitigating the risk of wildfires in the surrounding area.
Overall, Cattle Dam serves as a vital water resource infrastructure in Montana, ensuring water availability for agricultural activities and safeguarding against potential fire hazards. With its state-regulated status and low hazard potential, this earth dam stands as a testament to effective water management practices in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures to ensure their continued safety and functionality.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
100 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
TR-TRAIL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Nid Storage |
70 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Cattle Dam