South Meadow Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

South Meadow Creek Dam, located in Mcallister, Montana, was completed in 1968 and is primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Owned privately, the dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a length of 345 feet. With a storage capacity of 1,130 acre-feet, the dam serves to regulate water flow from Meadow Creek S, covering a drainage area of 1.6 square miles.

Managed and designed by the USDA NRCS, South Meadow Creek Dam is regulated by the Forest Service and funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment is currently not available, reflecting the need for further inspection and maintenance. With a maximum discharge of 1,160 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for agricultural activities in the region.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find South Meadow Creek Dam a vital infrastructure in the conservation and management of water in Madison County, Montana. The dam's significance in providing irrigation water to the surrounding areas underscores the importance of monitoring its condition and ensuring its long-term functionality. With its construction dating back to over five decades ago, the dam's role in sustaining water resources in the region remains essential, highlighting the ongoing need for proper maintenance and risk management measures.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

345

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

Meadow Creek S

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

77

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

1130

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.