White Silver Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

White Silver is a privately owned earth dam located in Warm Springs, Montana, on the Whitepine Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1950 for irrigation purposes, the dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a length of 200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 67 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," White Silver plays a crucial role in the agricultural landscape of Silver Bow County.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), White Silver is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its age, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications over the years and lacks detailed risk assessment and emergency preparedness measures. While the dam is considered to have a low hazard potential, regular monitoring and maintenance are essential to uphold its integrity and safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, White Silver serves as a historical landmark that highlights the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resources. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the importance of maintaining and enhancing infrastructure like White Silver becomes increasingly apparent. By staying informed and involved in the management of dams like White Silver, enthusiasts can contribute to sustainable water resource practices and resilience in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

WHITEPINE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

67

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.