Little Sleeping Child Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Little Sleeping Child Creek Dam in Ravalli, Montana, is a private earth dam completed in 1927 for recreation and irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 34.5 feet, the dam controls the flow of the Little Sleeping Child Creek and has a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as noted in the most recent inspection in April 2022.

Located in the Seattle District and regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the dam poses a moderate risk to surrounding areas. With a maximum discharge of 800 cubic feet per second, the dam's uncontrolled spillway type may be a cause for concern in case of emergencies. The dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, and its emergency action plan (EAP) and risk management measures may need to be updated to meet current guidelines.

As a significant structure in the region, the Little Sleeping Child Creek Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring aging infrastructure to ensure the safety of both the environment and local communities. With proper maintenance and oversight, the dam can continue to fulfill its recreational and irrigation purposes while minimizing risks to downstream areas.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

34.5

River Or Stream

LITTLE SLEEPING CHILD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

11.25

Nid Storage

73

Structural Height

34.5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

35
       
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.