Whitetail Dam
Key Takeaway
Whitetail Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 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 | 28 ft (taller than 80.9% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 340 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 21.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 834 acres |
| Drainage Area | 22 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,166 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1922 (104 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00118 |
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
WHITETAIL WATER USERS ASSN
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whitetail Dam?
Whitetail 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 Whitetail Dam?
Whitetail Dam is owned by WHITETAIL WATER USERS ASSN (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whitetail Dam built?
Whitetail Dam was completed in 1922, making it 104 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 Whitetail Dam?
Whitetail 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 Whitetail Dam?
Whitetail Dam has a dam height of 28 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.