Swift Dike (Pondera) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Swift Dike in Pondera, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1967 for irrigation purposes on Birch Creek offstream.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 53 feet with a hydraulic height of 42 feet, providing a storage capacity of 34,000 acre-feet. Its location in the Seattle District, Montana, makes it a vital structure for water resource management in the region.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Swift Dike is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its safety and functionality. With a satisfactory condition assessment and a high hazard potential, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to maintain its integrity. The emergency action plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in October 2020, highlighting the importance of preparedness for any potential risks associated with the structure.

Despite being a private dam, Swift Dike plays a crucial role in the irrigation system of the area, providing essential water resources for agriculture. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, the dam serves as a key infrastructure for water management in Pondera County, Montana, reflecting the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

457

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

BIRCH CREEK OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

42

Nid Storage

34000

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

53
       
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.