Lake Frances East Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bull Pen #2 Bull Pen #1
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Lake Frances East Dam, located in Pondera, Montana, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1909, this earth dam stands at a height of 59 feet and has a hydraulic height of 57 feet, providing a storage capacity of 133,619 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 110,500 acre-feet and a surface area of 5,300 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in water supply and irrigation for the surrounding area.
Although the dam does not have a spillway, it is regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. The hazard potential is rated as high, but the condition assessment as of June 2018 was deemed satisfactory. Despite the risk assessment being classified as high, there are no specific risk management measures mentioned in the data, indicating a potential area for further development and improvement in ensuring the safety and stability of the dam.
The dam's location in Ledger, Montana, along Offstream-Hein Coulee, underscores its importance in managing water resources for the region. With a history dating back over a century, Lake Frances East Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing and utilizing water for agricultural purposes while also highlighting the ongoing need for proactive risk management and maintenance to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the continued availability of water for irrigation and other essential needs.
Year Completed |
1909 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
59 |
River Or Stream |
OFFSTREAM-HEIN COULEE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5300 |
Hydraulic Height |
57 |
Drainage Area |
13.2 |
Nid Storage |
133619 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
59 |
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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.
Lake Frances East Dam