Ward Dam

PORCUPINE CK./MISSOURI RIVER· Valley, Montana· Built 2003· Gravity·
Low Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Ward Dam is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 2003 and is 23 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.

Physical Details

Dam Length1,410 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage849 acre-ft
Surface Area131 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed2003 (23 years old)
NID IDMT04008

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 22, 2020
State Regulated: No

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ward Dam?

Ward 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 Ward Dam?

Ward Dam is owned by DOI BLM (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ward Dam built?

Ward Dam was completed in 2003, making it 23 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 Ward Dam?

Ward Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Ward Dam last inspected?

Ward Dam was last inspected on July 22, 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.