Sand Creek Du Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sand Creek Du Dam, located in Lima, Montana, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management.


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Summary

Built in 1999, this gravity dam serves as a Fish and Wildlife Pond with a storage capacity of 373 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 9 feet and spans a length of 830 feet, providing essential habitat for aquatic life in the area.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Sand Creek Du Dam poses minimal risk to nearby communities. Despite its small size, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding ecosystem. The controlled spillway and sturdy construction ensure the safety and stability of the structure, while the very high risk assessment ranking underscores the importance of proper management and maintenance protocols.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sand Creek Du Dam serves as a testament to the intricate relationship between human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. By providing essential habitat for fish and wildlife, this dam stands as a symbol of environmental stewardship and conservation efforts in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, structures like Sand Creek Du Dam play a vital role in preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

830

River Or Stream

SAND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

160

Hydraulic Height

8

Nid Storage

373

Structural Height

9

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

9
       
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.