Upper Baker Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Baker Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 20 ft (taller than 44.5% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 1,540 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 240 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 10,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | MT01564 |
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
CITY OF BAKER
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lower Baker Dam
Fallon, MT
High Hazard 23 ftKirschten #1
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Low Hazard 12 ftMildred #1
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Low Hazard 15 ftHalmans #2
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Low Hazard 21 ftHalmans #3
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Low Hazard 20 ft761 Lang
Fallon, MT
Low Hazard 21 ftThielen #1
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Low Hazard 10 ftH A Wyrick #1
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Low Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Baker Dam?
Upper Baker 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 Upper Baker Dam?
Upper Baker Dam is owned by CITY OF BAKER (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Baker Dam built?
Upper Baker Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Upper Baker Dam?
Upper Baker Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Upper Baker Dam?
Upper Baker Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Upper Baker Dam last inspected?
Upper Baker Dam was last inspected on September 3, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.