Kicking Horse
Key Takeaway
Kicking Horse is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. 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 | 30 ft (taller than 82.7% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 5,220 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 9.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 629 acres |
| Year Completed | 1930 (96 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00594 |
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
BIA
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kicking Horse?
Kicking Horse 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 Kicking Horse?
Kicking Horse is owned by BIA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kicking Horse built?
Kicking Horse was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Kicking Horse?
Kicking Horse serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Kicking Horse?
Kicking Horse has a dam height of 30 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 Kicking Horse last inspected?
Kicking Horse was last inspected on August 8, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.