Beaver Ranch Dam

LEONARD CREEK· Madison, Montana· Built 1945· Earth· 15 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Beaver Ranch Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 18.8% in MT)
Dam Length175 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage145 acre-ft
Normal Storage88 acre-ft
Year Completed1945 (81 years old)
NID IDMT03718

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: May 13, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

BEAVER DAM RANCH PARTNERS

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Beaver Ranch Dam?

Beaver Ranch Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Beaver Ranch Dam?

Beaver Ranch Dam is owned by BEAVER DAM RANCH PARTNERS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Beaver Ranch Dam built?

Beaver Ranch Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Beaver Ranch Dam?

Beaver Ranch Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Beaver Ranch Dam?

Beaver Ranch Dam has a dam height of 15 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Beaver Ranch Dam last inspected?

Beaver Ranch Dam was last inspected on May 13, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.