Martinsdale, East Dam

TR-MUSSELSHELL RIVER· Wheatland, Montana· Built 1939· Earth· 49 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Martinsdale, East Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 Height 49 ft (taller than 96.6% in MT)
Dam Length1,550 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage39.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage32.3K acre-ft
Surface Area985 acres
Drainage Area16 sq mi
Max Discharge1,060 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
Year Modified1988
NID IDMT00007

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: April 24, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

STATE WATER PROJECTS

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Martinsdale, East Dam?

Martinsdale, East 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 Martinsdale, East Dam?

Martinsdale, East Dam is owned by STATE WATER PROJECTS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Martinsdale, East Dam built?

Martinsdale, East Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Martinsdale, East Dam?

Martinsdale, East Dam 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 Martinsdale, East Dam?

Martinsdale, East Dam has a dam height of 49 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 Martinsdale, East Dam last inspected?

Martinsdale, East Dam was last inspected on April 24, 2023. 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.