Yellow Water Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 7, 2026

The Yellow Water Dike in Montana is a crucial infrastructure designed for irrigation purposes along Yellow Water Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1938, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 11 feet and stretches over 545 feet, providing storage of up to 5100 acre-feet of water. With a drainage area of 55 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 180 cubic feet per second.

Located in Petroleum County, the Yellow Water Dike is regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, ensuring its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam has a high hazard potential, but its condition assessment in 2021 deemed it satisfactory. The last inspection in October 2021 indicated a regular inspection frequency of every 5 years, highlighting the commitment to maintaining the dam's safety and functionality.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the Yellow Water Dike's role in supporting local agriculture through irrigation and its significance in water management in the region. With its historical construction date, storage capacity, and regulatory oversight, this dam serves as a key piece of infrastructure in sustaining water resources and mitigating potential risks associated with floods or emergencies.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

545

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

YELLOW WATER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

450

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

55

Nid Storage

5100

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

11
       
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.