Nelson Dike Da

MILK RIVER OS· Phillips, Montana· Built 1914· Earth· 21 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Nelson Dike Da is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 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 21 ft (taller than 61.7% in MT)
Dam Length5,625 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage85.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage79.2K acre-ft
Surface Area4,560 acres
Drainage Area35 sq mi
Year Completed1914 (112 years old)
NID IDMT00574

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: August 11, 2020
State Regulated: No

Ownership

RECLAMATION

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nelson Dike Da?

Nelson Dike Da 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 Nelson Dike Da?

Nelson Dike Da is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Nelson Dike Da built?

Nelson Dike Da was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Nelson Dike Da?

Nelson Dike Da 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 Nelson Dike Da?

Nelson Dike Da has a dam height of 21 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 Nelson Dike Da last inspected?

Nelson Dike Da was last inspected on August 11, 2020. 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.