West Fork Bitterroot (Painted Rocks)

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West Fork Bitterroot (Painted Rocks) is a state-owned dam located in Ravalli, Montana, along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. Completed in 1940, this earth dam stands at a height of 143 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 45,100 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has a high hazard potential and is currently rated as in poor condition, requiring regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 160 feet, is uncontrolled, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 3,300 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area covers 655 acres, with a drainage area of 316 square miles. The dam's reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 31,706 acre-feet, providing vital water resources for agricultural irrigation in the region. The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure compliance with safety standards.

With its historical significance and critical role in water resource management for irrigation, West Fork Bitterroot (Painted Rocks) serves as a key infrastructure in the region. As climate change impacts water availability and quality, the maintenance and upkeep of this dam become increasingly important to ensure the sustainable use of water resources for agriculture and other essential purposes. Ongoing risk assessments and management measures are necessary to address the dam's high hazard potential and poor condition, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to safeguard this vital piece of infrastructure for the future.