McLaren Dam
Key Takeaway
McLaren Dam is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 24 ft (taller than 67.5% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 450 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 900 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 192 acres |
| Drainage Area | 35 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1890 (136 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00554 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of McLaren Dam?
McLaren Dam 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 McLaren Dam?
McLaren Dam is owned by US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was McLaren Dam built?
McLaren Dam was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 McLaren Dam?
McLaren 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 McLaren Dam?
McLaren Dam has a dam height of 24 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 McLaren Dam last inspected?
McLaren Dam was last inspected on September 23, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.