Blanchard Pond dam
Blanchard Pond
Blanchard Pond, located in Beaverhead, Montana, is a privately owned reservoir primarily used for irrigation purposes. The earth dam, with a height of 10 feet and a length of 500 feet, was completed in 1960 and has a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet. Situated along the Sawmill Ditch, the pond serves as a vital water source for agricultural activities in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is currently not rated, highlighting the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and functionality.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Blanchard Pond falls under state jurisdiction and is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. Although it has not undergone a recent condition assessment, the pond's emergency action plan (EAP) status, inundation maps, risk assessment, and risk management measures remain unspecified. With its location in a pristine natural setting, this water resource serves as a crucial component of the local ecosystem, supporting wildlife habitats and enhancing the overall environmental quality of the region.
As a key feature in the water infrastructure of the region, Blanchard Pond plays a significant role in sustaining agricultural activities and contributing to water resource management in the area. Its historical significance, dating back to the 1960s, underscores its importance as a longstanding resource for the community. With ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts, this reservoir will continue to serve as a valuable asset for irrigation purposes while also promoting the conservation and sustainable use of water resources in Beaverhead County, Montana.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Blanchard Pond -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Big Hole River Near Jackson Mt | 25 cfs | → |
| Lemhi River Below L5 Diversion Near Salmon | 366 cfs | → |
| Salmon River At Salmon Id | 2,360 cfs | → |
| Big Hole River Bl Big Lake Cr At Wisdom Mt | 171 cfs | → |
| Lemhi River Nr Lemhi Id | 262 cfs | → |
| Napias Creek Below Arnett Creek Near Leesburg | 69 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Blanchard Pond.
Boat launches
See all →
Campgrounds
See all →
Fishing spots
See all →
River runs
See all →
About Blanchard Pond
Where does the data for Blanchard Pond come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.