Yellow Haired Custer Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Yellow Haired Custer is a state-owned dam located in Hysham, Montana, along the Alkali Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. With a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water resources in the area.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Yellow Haired Custer is under state jurisdiction with regular inspection, permitting, and enforcement processes in place to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite being rated as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Rated." Emergency action plans and risk management measures are yet to be fully assessed and implemented for this structure.

Located in Yellowstone County, Montana, Yellow Haired Custer is an important piece of infrastructure for water resource management in the region. With its strategic location and multiple uses, the dam serves as a vital resource for both local communities and wildlife, highlighting the crucial role that such structures play in maintaining a sustainable water supply in the face of changing climates.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-ALKALI CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.