Smurfit-Stone Container Storage Ponds dam
Smurfit-Stone Container Storage Ponds
Smurfit-Stone Container Storage Ponds, located in Missoula, Montana, is a privately owned offstream water resource managed by the DNRC. This earth dam stands 25 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 20 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1414 acre-feet of water. Despite not being regularly inspected or rated for condition, the dam holds a significant hazard potential due to its size and location.
This water storage facility, completed in an unknown year, plays a crucial role in water management and conservation in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 1272 acre-feet, it serves as a vital resource for the local community and ecosystem. However, the lack of recent inspections and condition assessments raises concerns about the potential risks associated with the dam, highlighting the need for proper maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability.
As a key infrastructure in the region, Smurfit-Stone Container Storage Ponds warrants attention from water resource and climate enthusiasts to ensure its continued function and safety. Advocating for regular inspections, condition assessments, and risk management measures can help mitigate the potential hazards and preserve this valuable water resource for future generations.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Smurfit-Stone Container Storage Ponds -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Clark Fork Below Missoula Mt | 8,870 cfs | → |
| Bitterroot River Near Missoula Mt | 4,130 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork Above Missoula Mt | 4,670 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork At Turah Bridge Nr Bonner Mt | 2,360 cfs | → |
| Blackfoot River Near Bonner Mt | 2,460 cfs | → |
| South Fork Jocko River Near Arlee Mt | 105 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Smurfit-Stone Container Storage Ponds.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Smurfit-Stone Container Storage Ponds
Where does the data for Smurfit-Stone Container Storage Ponds come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.