Nevada Creek Dam

NEVADA CREEK· Powell, Montana· Built 1938· Earth· 105 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Nevada Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1938 and is 88 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 105 ft (taller than 99.1% in MT)
Dam Length1,083 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage15.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage11.2K acre-ft
Surface Area368 acres
Drainage Area145 sq mi
Max Discharge16,800 cfs
Year Completed1938 (88 years old)
NID IDMT00017

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: June 1, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

STATE WATER PROJECTS

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nevada Creek Dam?

Nevada Creek 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 Nevada Creek Dam?

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

When was Nevada Creek Dam built?

Nevada Creek Dam was completed in 1938, making it 88 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 Nevada Creek Dam?

Nevada Creek 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 Nevada Creek Dam?

Nevada Creek Dam has a dam height of 105 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 Nevada Creek Dam last inspected?

Nevada Creek Dam was last inspected on June 1, 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.