Cedar Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cedar Creek is a significant water resource structure located in Columbia Falls, Montana.


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Summary

Constructed in 1971 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 86 feet, with a hydraulic height of 86 feet and a structural height of 93 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 2720 acre-feet, serving the primary purpose of water supply.

With a drainage area of 12.7 square miles, Cedar Creek dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction and water supply for the region. The dam's spillway, with a width of 110 feet, is uncontrolled, and the outlet gates are also uncontrolled. The structure is considered to have a high hazard potential but is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in February 2021.

Despite its age, Cedar Creek dam continues to provide essential water resource management benefits to the local community. Its strategic location in the Flathead County, Montana, ensures a reliable water supply for agricultural, industrial, and municipal purposes while mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam's maintenance and inspection protocols are diligently followed to ensure its operational integrity and safety for the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

1220

Dam Height

86

River Or Stream

CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

31

Hydraulic Height

86

Drainage Area

12.7

Nid Storage

2720

Structural Height

93

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

93
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.