Lake Frances North Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Widower Lake Frances East Dam
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Lake Frances North Dam, located in Cut Bank, Montana, serves as a crucial irrigation source in the Pondera County region.
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Summary
Built in 1909, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet, with a storage capacity of 133,619 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 110,500 acre-feet. With a surface area of 5,300 acres and draining an area of 13.2 square miles, the dam plays a pivotal role in water management for the surrounding agricultural lands.
Maintained by private ownership, Lake Frances North Dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring state jurisdiction, regulation, inspection, and enforcement. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, the dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting a 5-year inspection frequency to monitor its structural integrity. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), the dam's emergency action plan is crucial in preparing for potential inundation scenarios and ensuring the safety of downstream communities.
It is evident that Lake Frances North Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for irrigation purposes in the region, showcasing the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience. As enthusiasts in the field, understanding the intricacies of this dam's design, maintenance, and risk management measures highlights the importance of sustainable water practices in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Year Completed |
1909 |
Dam Length |
6000 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
OFFSTREAM-BIRCH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5300 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
13.2 |
Nid Storage |
133619 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 North Dam