Montana #26 Reservoir Report
Nearby: L Galt #24 L Galt #25
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Montana #26, located in Garfield County, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1970 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This multipurpose dam serves as a crucial source for fire protection, stock water, and small fish pond. Situated in the Youderian Coulee, the dam has a height of 18 feet, a length of 400 feet, and a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam is not currently rated for its condition.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Montana #26 is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 250 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 3.28 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region, providing essential services to the local community while maintaining a low-risk profile.
Although the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not currently documented, Montana #26 remains a vital infrastructure for water conservation and climate resilience in the area. With its strategic location and multiple purposes, this earth dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of private owners, state agencies, and federal designers in safeguarding water resources and enhancing environmental sustainability in Montana.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
YOUDERIAN COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
3.28 |
Nid Storage |
67 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Montana #26