North Fork of Smith River Dam
Key Takeaway
North Fork of Smith River Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 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 | 91 ft (taller than 98.8% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 14.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 11.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 335 acres |
| Drainage Area | 71 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,530 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1936 (90 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00009 |
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
STATE WATER PROJECTS
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of North Fork of Smith River Dam?
North Fork of Smith River 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 North Fork of Smith River Dam?
North Fork of Smith River Dam is owned by STATE WATER PROJECTS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was North Fork of Smith River Dam built?
North Fork of Smith River Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 North Fork of Smith River Dam?
North Fork of Smith River 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 North Fork of Smith River Dam?
North Fork of Smith River Dam has a dam height of 91 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 North Fork of Smith River Dam last inspected?
North Fork of Smith River Dam was last inspected on October 11, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.