Cottonwood Dam (Park)
Key Takeaway
Cottonwood Dam (Park) is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 | 39 ft (taller than 94.8% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 610 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 235 acres |
| Drainage Area | 34 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 217 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1985 |
| NID ID | MT00021 |
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
STATE WATER PROJECTS
State Government
Nearby Dams
Kaiser
Park, MT
Significant Hazard 20 ftLanders #1
Park, MT
Low Hazard 15 ftJordan Dam
Park, MT
High Hazard 38 ftD'Ewart
Park, MT
Low Hazard 10 ftKelly (Park)
Park, MT
Low Hazard 15 ftNollmeyer #1
Park, MT
Low Hazard 25 ftArthun Dam
Park, MT
Significant Hazard 23 ftKistner Hardy Dam
Gallatin, MT
High Hazard 20 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cottonwood Dam (Park)?
Cottonwood Dam (Park) 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 Cottonwood Dam (Park)?
Cottonwood Dam (Park) is owned by STATE WATER PROJECTS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cottonwood Dam (Park) built?
Cottonwood Dam (Park) was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Cottonwood Dam (Park)?
Cottonwood Dam (Park) 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 Cottonwood Dam (Park)?
Cottonwood Dam (Park) has a dam height of 39 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 Cottonwood Dam (Park) last inspected?
Cottonwood Dam (Park) was last inspected on September 12, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.