Elder Elmer Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Elder Elmer is a privately owned irrigation dam located in Fort Benton, Montana, along Box Elder Creek.


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Summary

Constructed in 1953 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 36 feet tall and has a length of 200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet for irrigation purposes. The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, ensuring state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to maintain its functionality.

Despite its low hazard potential, Elder Elmer plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, with a drainage area of 1.88 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 68 cubic feet per second. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but it serves as a vital infrastructure for agricultural activities in Cascade County. The dam's presence along Box Elder Creek contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of water resources in the region.

With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, Elder Elmer represents a blend of engineering expertise and environmental stewardship in water management. As a key structure in the Omaha District, this dam exemplifies the importance of irrigation infrastructure in supporting local economies and ecosystems. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Elder Elmer stands as a testament to the careful balance between human development and natural resource conservation in Montana's landscape.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

BOX ELDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

1.88

Nid Storage

75

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

36
       
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.