Sands Lake North Dam, located in Hill County, Montana, serves as a crucial irrigation structure diverting water from Beaver Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1911, this earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and stretches 525 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 650 acre-feet. The dam plays a vital role in supporting agricultural activities in the region, with a normal storage capacity of 405 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 110 cubic feet per second.
Despite its age, Sands Lake North Dam remains in a significant hazard potential category, with its condition yet to be officially assessed. The dam's last inspection dates back to June 1995, indicating a potential need for updated safety evaluations and risk assessments. While the dam is privately owned, it falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring that state standards and enforcement measures are in place for its operation and maintenance.
Enthusiasts of water resource management and climate resilience will find Sands Lake North Dam to be an intriguing case study in the intersection of historic infrastructure, agricultural sustainability, and regulatory oversight. As discussions around dam safety and risk management grow in importance, this dam stands as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities in ensuring the reliability and resilience of water infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions and evolving regulatory landscapes.
Year Completed |
1911 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
11 |
River Or Stream |
DIVERSON FROM BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
100 |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
650 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
11 |
Milk River At Havre Mt
|
42cfs |
Big Sandy Creek Near Havre Mt
|
6cfs |
Clear Creek Near Chinook Mt
|
21cfs |
Battle Creek Near Chinook Mt
|
12cfs |
Milk River Near Harlem Mt
|
69cfs |
Missouri River At Virgelle Mt
|
4290cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Great Northern Fair and Campgrounds
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Clack Museum Campground
|
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River Run - Fresno Reservoir - USBR
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Fresno Tailwater FAS
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