East Fork Dam

EAST FORK BIG SPRING CREEK· Fergus, Montana· Built 1974· Earth· 62 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

East Fork Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 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 62 ft (taller than 97.9% in MT)
Dam Length2,179 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage7.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.7K acre-ft
Surface Area201 acres
Drainage Area61 sq mi
Max Discharge28,500 cfs
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
Year Modified1976
NID IDMT01567

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: June 15, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

CITY OF LEWISTOWN

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of East Fork Dam?

East Fork 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 East Fork Dam?

East Fork Dam is owned by CITY OF LEWISTOWN (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was East Fork Dam built?

East Fork Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 East Fork Dam?

East Fork 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 East Fork Dam?

East Fork Dam has a dam height of 62 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 East Fork Dam last inspected?

East Fork Dam was last inspected on June 15, 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.