Little Bitterroot
Key Takeaway
Little Bitterroot is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 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 Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 26.4K acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1917 (109 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00598 |
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 Little Bitterroot?
Little Bitterroot 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 Little Bitterroot?
Little Bitterroot is owned by BIA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Little Bitterroot built?
Little Bitterroot was completed in 1917, making it 109 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 Little Bitterroot?
Little Bitterroot serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Little Bitterroot last inspected?
Little Bitterroot was last inspected on April 19, 2011. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.