Elder Elmer

BOX ELDER CREEK· Cascade, Montana· Built 1953· Earth· 36 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Elder Elmer is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 93.8% in MT)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage75 acre-ft
Normal Storage53 acre-ft
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge68 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDMT03301

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

VIOLET A. VIHINEN

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Elder Elmer?

Elder Elmer is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Elder Elmer?

Elder Elmer is owned by VIOLET A. VIHINEN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Elder Elmer built?

Elder Elmer 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 Elder Elmer?

Elder Elmer 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 Elder Elmer?

Elder Elmer has a dam height of 36 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.

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.