Wind
Humidity
Lake Frances North Dam, located in Cut Bank, Montana, serves as a crucial irrigation source in the Pondera County region.
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 |
Headwaters, Sec. 34, T28N, R11W To Swift Reservoir
Pool Creek, Sec. 7, T28N, R12W To Falls, Sec. 25, T29N, R12W
Schafer Meadows to Bear Creek (Upper)
Fool Creek, Sec. 24, T25N, R11W To Wilderness Boundary
Headwaters, Sec. 4, T18N, R10W To North Fork Sun River, Sec. 26, T22N, R10W
Wilderness Boundary To South Fork Sun River, Sec. 26, T22N, R10W