Yellow Water Main Dam
Key Takeaway
Yellow Water Main 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 | 37 ft (taller than 94.1% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 1,695 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 6.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 490 acres |
| Drainage Area | 55 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1938 (88 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00012 |
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
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Low HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Yellow Water Main Dam?
Yellow Water Main 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 Yellow Water Main Dam?
Yellow Water Main Dam is owned by STATE WATER PROJECTS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Yellow Water Main Dam built?
Yellow Water Main 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 Yellow Water Main Dam?
Yellow Water Main 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 Yellow Water Main Dam?
Yellow Water Main Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Yellow Water Main Dam last inspected?
Yellow Water Main Dam was last inspected on October 25, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.