Sands Lake East Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sands Lake East Dike in Hill, Montana, is a significant earth dam completed in 1911 for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 650 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 6.3 feet, with a length of 1400 feet, and a maximum discharge of 110 cubic feet per second. It is located in the city of Havre and diverts water from Beaver Creek for agricultural use, providing essential water resources for the region.

Managed by a private owner, Sands Lake East Dike is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state jurisdiction and permitting in place for inspection and enforcement. Despite its age, the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, with its last inspection conducted in June 1995. The hazard potential is deemed significant, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and efficiency of the structure in the face of evolving climate conditions.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sands Lake East Dike serves as a fascinating example of early 20th-century water management infrastructure in Montana. With its historical significance and ongoing agricultural utility, the dam symbolizes the intersection of human intervention and natural resources, prompting discussions on sustainable water use, climate resilience, and the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure for future generations.

Year Completed

1911

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

6.3

River Or Stream

DIVERSON FROM BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

6.3

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

650

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

6
       
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.