Box Elder Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Box Elder Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 63 ft (taller than 98% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 1,800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 6.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 29,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00934 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF PLENTYWOOD
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Box Elder Creek Dam?
Box Elder Creek 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 Box Elder Creek Dam?
Box Elder Creek Dam is owned by CITY OF PLENTYWOOD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Box Elder Creek Dam built?
Box Elder Creek Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Box Elder Creek Dam?
Box Elder Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Box Elder Creek Dam?
Box Elder Creek Dam has a dam height of 63 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 Box Elder Creek Dam last inspected?
Box Elder Creek Dam was last inspected on July 10, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.