Soda Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Soda Creek is a privately-owned irrigation dam located in Carter, Montana.


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Summary

Completed in 1937, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and stretches 500 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 1,104 acre-feet for irrigation purposes. Situated along the Soda Creek river, this dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality.

With a significant hazard potential, the condition of Soda Creek dam is currently listed as "Not Rated," indicating the need for further assessment and potential risk management measures. Despite the lack of a formal emergency action plan (EAP) and inundation maps, the dam meets state permitting requirements and is subject to state jurisdiction and regulation. The dam's location in Albion, Montana, and its association with the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers highlight its importance in the local water resource management system.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the history and management of Soda Creek will find this dam to be a vital component of the irrigation infrastructure in Carter County. As a key feature in the irrigation network of the area, the Soda Creek dam serves as a critical water storage facility for agricultural purposes, highlighting the intersection of water management, environmental sustainability, and community resilience in the region. Its significance in the local hydrological landscape underscores the importance of proper maintenance and oversight to ensure the safety and efficiency of water resource utilization in the area.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

SODA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

1104

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.