Hughes Junior #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hughes Junior #1 is a privately owned earth dam located in Fergus County, Montana, specifically in the city of Mosby.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond. With a height of 12 feet and a length of 100 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 16 acre-feet. It is situated on the Yellow Water Creek, within the jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).

Despite being rated as having low hazard potential and not having a condition assessment, Hughes Junior #1 is regulated, inspected, and permitted by the state of Montana. It is equipped with emergency action plans, although it is not clear whether they are up to date or meet guidelines. The dam is not associated with any federal agencies or funding sources, and has not undergone significant modifications since its completion. With its strategic location and multiple uses, Hughes Junior #1 stands as a key infrastructure contributing to water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TR-YELLOW WATER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

12

Nid Storage

53

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.