Fort Peck Dam
Key Takeaway
Fort Peck Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Length | 21,026 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 19.1M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15.4M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 93,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 57,725 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 250,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00025 |
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
USACE - Omaha District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fort Peck Dam?
Fort Peck 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 Fort Peck Dam?
Fort Peck Dam is owned by USACE - Omaha District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fort Peck Dam built?
Fort Peck Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Fort Peck Dam?
Fort Peck Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Navigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Fort Peck Dam last inspected?
Fort Peck Dam was last inspected on June 21, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.