Cedar Creek
Key Takeaway
Cedar Creek is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 86 ft (taller than 98.7% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 1,220 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 31 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,150 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | MT01455 |
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 COLUMBIA FALLS
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cedar Creek?
Cedar Creek 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 Cedar Creek?
Cedar Creek is owned by CITY OF COLUMBIA FALLS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cedar Creek built?
Cedar Creek was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Cedar Creek?
Cedar Creek serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cedar Creek?
Cedar Creek has a dam height of 86 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 Cedar Creek last inspected?
Cedar Creek was last inspected on July 24, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.