Haughian #10 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Haughian #10, located in Custer County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1970 for irrigation purposes along Custer Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 20 feet and a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in agricultural water management in the region. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Managed by private owners, Haughian #10 has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its emergency action plan (EAP) status remains unknown. The dam's primary purpose is irrigation, with a normal storage capacity of 85 acre-feet. While the dam has not undergone any modifications since its completion, it is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement measures to mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation.

In the event of an emergency, the lack of updated EAP and risk management measures for Haughian #10 raises concerns about the preparedness and response capabilities of the dam owners. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the condition and regulatory oversight of dams like Haughian #10 to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the sustainable use of water resources for agricultural purposes.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

CUSTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

165

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.