Black Eagle, a privately owned hydroelectric dam located on the Missouri River in Fort Benton, Montana, was completed in 1891 and stands at a height of 35 feet.
Wind
Humidity
With a primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power, the dam also serves recreational purposes, covering a surface area of 402 acres and holding a normal storage capacity of 1710 acre-feet. The dam boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 625 feet and a maximum discharge rate of 94,000 cubic feet per second, making it a crucial structure in managing water resources in the area.
Despite its age, Black Eagle remains a vital component of the local water infrastructure, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission overseeing its operations and inspections. The dam's hazard potential is classified as high, with a very high risk assessment score of 1, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures. While the condition assessment of the dam is currently not available, regular inspections and emergency action plans are essential to ensure the safety and functionality of this historic gravity dam for both water resource management and energy production in the region.
Situated in the picturesque Cascade County, Black Eagle Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities along the Missouri River. With its impressive structural height of 40.5 feet and long dam length of 1670 feet, the dam continues to play a significant role in the local community. As climate change poses challenges to water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Black Eagle are crucial for adapting to shifting environmental conditions and ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations.
Year Completed |
1891 |
Dam Length |
1670 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
Missouri River |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
402 |
Hydraulic Height |
36 |
Drainage Area |
22100 |
Nid Storage |
1710 |
Structural Height |
40.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 25, Slide (sluice gate) - 8 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
41 |
Missouri River Near Ulm Mt
|
3160cfs |
Missouri River Near Great Falls Mt
|
3530cfs |
Sun River Near Vaughn Mt
|
2680cfs |
Muddy Creek At Vaughn Mt
|
86cfs |
Lake Creek Near Power Mt
|
30cfs |
Smith River Near Eden Mt
|
119cfs |