Little Sleeping Child Creek Dam

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The Little Sleeping Child Creek Dam in Ravalli, Montana, is a private earth dam completed in 1927 for recreation and irrigation purposes. Standing at a height of 34.5 feet, the dam controls the flow of the Little Sleeping Child Creek and has a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as noted in the most recent inspection in April 2022.

Located in the Seattle District and regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the dam poses a moderate risk to surrounding areas. With a maximum discharge of 800 cubic feet per second, the dam's uncontrolled spillway type may be a cause for concern in case of emergencies. The dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, and its emergency action plan (EAP) and risk management measures may need to be updated to meet current guidelines.

As a significant structure in the region, the Little Sleeping Child Creek Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to ensure the safety of both the environment and local communities. With proper maintenance and oversight, the dam can continue to fulfill its recreational and irrigation purposes while minimizing risks to downstream areas.