Summary
Constructed in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and has a length of 549 feet, providing vital irrigation water for the surrounding area. Situated on the banks of Sand Creek, this dam is regulated by the state agency DNRC and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities, ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with regulations.
With a storage capacity of 239 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.03 square miles, Gerald Kane plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 660 cfs and a spillway width of 25 feet, making it a significant structure in terms of hazard potential. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam remains a key asset for agricultural activities in the area, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management practices and infrastructure maintenance in the face of changing climate patterns.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to monitor the impact of climate change on water availability and infrastructure resilience, structures like Gerald Kane serve as essential components of the water supply system. With its state-regulated status and primary purpose of irrigation, this Earth dam represents a vital piece of the water management puzzle in Montana. As efforts to address climate-related challenges intensify, the role of dams like Gerald Kane in ensuring water security and sustainability will become increasingly crucial in the years to come.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
549 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
SAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
39 |
Drainage Area |
2.03 |
Nid Storage |
239 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Judith River Nr Mouth
|
368cfs |
Missouri River At Virgelle Mt
|
4290cfs |
Big Sandy Creek Near Havre Mt
|
6cfs |
Milk River At Havre Mt
|
42cfs |
Clear Creek Near Chinook Mt
|
21cfs |
Peoples Creek Near Hays Mt
|
4cfs |
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.
Gerald Kane