Snortland Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Apocolipse Otilalda
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Snortland Dam, located in Pondera, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1940 for the primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a height of 20 feet and a length of 310 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 37 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-South Pondera Coulee and is regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and not being rated for its condition, Snortland Dam remains a vital structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area. The dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps. However, with its picturesque location and recreational opportunities, Snortland Dam continues to attract visitors and serve as a key feature of the local landscape.
As a notable feature in the recreational landscape of Brady, Montana, Snortland Dam may benefit from further assessments and risk management measures to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. While the dam currently meets regulatory requirements and is inspected periodically, enhancing emergency preparedness and conducting a comprehensive risk assessment could further safeguard this important water resource for future generations of enthusiasts and visitors.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH PONDERA COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Nid Storage |
72 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Teton River Near Dutton Mt
|
83cfs |
Marias River Near Shelby Mt
|
305cfs |
Teton River Bl South Fork Nr Choteau Mt
|
44cfs |
Lake Creek Near Power Mt
|
30cfs |
Sun River At Simms Mt
|
1620cfs |
Muddy Creek At Vaughn Mt
|
86cfs |
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.
Snortland Dam