North Fork Of Smith River Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Newlan Creek Dam Bair
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The North Fork of Smith River Dam in Montana stands as a key structure for irrigation purposes, completed in 1936 with a height of 91 feet and a storage capacity of 14,200 acre-feet.
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Summary
Located in White Sulphur Springs, the dam holds back the waters of the North Fork Smith River, with a spillway width of 80 feet and a maximum discharge of 5,530 cubic feet per second. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, but its condition assessment remains satisfactory, last inspected in April 2021.
Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, the dam's primary purpose is irrigation, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding agricultural community. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet regulatory standards, with state inspections, permitting, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure continued functionality.
The North Fork of Smith River Dam is a significant feature in the region, providing essential water resources for agricultural activities and supporting the local economy. With its impressive storage capacity and controlled release capabilities, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control along the North Fork Smith River. As climate change impacts water resources, the maintenance and operation of structures like this dam are increasingly important to ensure the sustainable use of water for current and future generations.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
91 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH FORK SMITH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
335 |
Hydraulic Height |
84 |
Drainage Area |
71 |
Nid Storage |
14200 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
91 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams 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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Grasshopper Campground
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Grasshopper
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Richardson Campground
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Newlan Creek Reservoir FAS
|
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Jumping Creek
|
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Jumping Creek Campground
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North Fork Of Smith River Dam
Newlan Creek
North Fork Musselshell River
Newlan Reservoir
Bair Reservoir
Flagstaff Reservoir