Kistner Hardy Dam
Kistner Hardy Dam is an earth dam located in Gallatin County, Montana, built in 1945. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Kistner Hardy Dam
The primary purpose of Kistner Hardy Dam is fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. The dam maintains a small impoundment used for fire suppression, livestock watering, or as a fish pond. The dam is owned by Rmw Ranch Trust (private). It impounds the South Fork Muddy Creek near Wilsall.
The dam stands 20 feet tall and stretches 600 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 340 acre-feet. Completed in 1945, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/16/2024.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Montana dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Montana |
| County | Gallatin |
| Nearest City | Wilsall |
| River/Stream | South Fork Muddy Creek |
| Coordinates | 46.03383, -110.81007 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Height | 20 ft |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 340 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 340 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 174 acre-ft |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond |
| Owner | RMW RANCH TRUST |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/16/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT03716 |
| Federal ID | MT03716 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |