Summary
Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial infrastructure for safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flood events. With a hydraulic height of 12 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, the dam plays a vital role in managing water levels in the intermittent river or stream it controls.
The dam has a storage capacity of 515.55 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 80.87 acres, serving a drainage area of 12.5 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains unrated, with the last inspection conducted in November 2018. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently unspecified. Overall, Ernie #1 Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure in Montana's water resource management network, contributing to flood mitigation efforts in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of dams like Ernie #1 in mitigating flood risks and managing water levels is crucial. With its federal ownership and operation by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts needed to protect communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. As we continue to monitor and assess the condition of critical infrastructure like Ernie #1 Dam, we can work towards more resilient and sustainable water resource management practices in the face of a changing climate.
Dam Length |
575 |
River Or Stream |
INTERMITTENT |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
80.87 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
12.5 |
Nid Storage |
515.55 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Ernie #1 Dam