Norwegian Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Norwegian Creek Dam, located in Madison County, Montana, is a significant irrigation structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1958.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 85 feet, with a hydraulic height of 74 feet, and a length of 650 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 1510 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1200 cubic feet per second, Norwegian Creek Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for agricultural purposes in the region.

Despite its importance in irrigation, Norwegian Creek Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and is currently not rated for its condition. The dam is state regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). Although the last inspection was conducted in 1979, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively. With its location in the Norwegian Placer Gulch and close proximity to the city of Willow Creek, the dam remains a key feature in the water management infrastructure of the area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Norwegian Creek Dam presents a fascinating case study in the sustainable utilization of water for agricultural needs. Its construction and operation attest to the intricate balance between harnessing nature's resources for human benefit while ensuring the safety and integrity of the surrounding environment. With ongoing state oversight and potential for future risk management measures, Norwegian Creek Dam exemplifies the importance of maintaining and monitoring vital water infrastructure for the well-being of local communities and ecosystems alike.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

85

River Or Stream

NORWEGIAN PLACER GULCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

65

Hydraulic Height

74

Drainage Area

12.9

Nid Storage

1910

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

85
       
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.