Cataract Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Cataract Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 80 ft (taller than 98.5% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 775 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 45 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,250 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00005 |
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
CATARACT CREEK WATER USERS ASSOC.
Private
Nearby Dams
Albro
Madison, MT
Low Hazard 11 ftMarsh Lake
Madison, MT
Low Hazard 8 ftBell Lake Dam
Madison, MT
High Hazard 20 ftHemund
Madison, MT
Significant Hazard 20 ftUpper Branham
Madison, MT
Significant Hazard 6 ftTailings Impoundment
Madison, MT
Significant Hazard 155 ftNorwegian Creek Dam
Madison, MT
Significant Hazard 85 ftSunrise Lake
Madison, MT
Significant Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cataract Creek Dam?
Cataract 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 Cataract Creek Dam?
Cataract Creek Dam is owned by CATARACT CREEK WATER USERS ASSOC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cataract Creek Dam built?
Cataract Creek Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Cataract Creek Dam?
Cataract Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cataract Creek Dam?
Cataract Creek Dam has a dam height of 80 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 Cataract Creek Dam last inspected?
Cataract Creek Dam was last inspected on October 13, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.