Sparrow Pond Dam, located in Beaverhead, Montana, was completed in 1965 by the U.S.
Wind
Humidity
Fish and Wildlife Service as a Federal project. The dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, with a primary purpose of providing habitat for local wildlife. It is an Earth-type dam, constructed with stone core and soil foundation, standing at a height of 7 feet and a length of 520 feet. The dam has a maximum storage capacity of 114 acre-feet and a normal storage of 20 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 17 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential, Sparrow Pond Dam has a very high risk assessment rating due to its poor condition as of the last inspection in August 2018. The dam is under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Wildlife Service for regulation, inspection, and operation. With a drainage area of 0.2 square miles and a controlled spillway type, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 32 cubic feet per second. While the dam's structural integrity may be a concern, the surrounding Sparrow Slough area benefits from the conservation efforts supported by the dam, making it a crucial site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and support in the future.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
7 |
River Or Stream |
SPARROW SLOUGH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
114 |
Structural Height |
7 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
7 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Upper Lake
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Upper Lake Campground
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Elk Lake Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area
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1/2 Below Landon Camp, Sec. 32, T12S, R1W To Up River 3/4 Mi, Sec. 31, T12S, R1W
1/4 Mi West Landon Camp, Sec. 31, T12S, R1W To Fossil Creek, Sec. 27, T12S, R2W
Fossil Ck & Wf Madison, Sec. 27, T12S, R2W To Miner Creek, Sec. 30 T12S, R2W
Bear Creek
Shakelford Homestead, Sec. 26, T12S, R1W To 1/2 Mi Below Landon Camp, Sec. 32, T12S, R1W