White Elk Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

White Elk Dam #2, located in Two Dot, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1927 for the primary purpose of irrigation along the UT Bear Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 8 feet and a storage capacity of 133 acre-feet, this dam serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding area. Despite its low hazard potential, White Elk Dam #2 is considered to have a high risk level of 2, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures.

Although the dam's condition assessment is currently labeled as "Not Rated," it is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), with state inspections and enforcement in place. The dam lacks a spillway, but its structural integrity and hydraulic height of 7.5 feet are crucial factors in ensuring its stability during water release events. With no associated structures and a relatively small surface area of 20 acres, White Elk Dam #2 plays a significant role in supporting agricultural activities in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the historical significance of White Elk Dam #2, which has stood the test of time for over 95 years. As irrigation remains its primary purpose, the dam continues to contribute to the sustainable management of water resources in Wheatland County, Montana. With its location in a high-risk area, the importance of ongoing risk assessments and management measures cannot be understated to safeguard the surrounding communities and ecosystems that rely on this essential water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1927

Dam Length

340

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

UT Bear Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

7.5

Nid Storage

133

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

8
       
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.