Basin Creek Dam #1
Basin Creek Dam #1 is a concrete dam located in Silver Bow County, Montana, built in 1897. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Basin Creek Dam #1
The primary purpose of Basin Creek Dam #1 is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Butte-silver Bow (local government). It impounds the Basin Creek near Butte.
The dam stands 101 feet tall and stretches 275 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 55 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,170 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 12 square miles. Completed in 1897, the structure is over a century old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/01/2019.
At 101 feet, this dam is taller than 98% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Montana dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Montana |
| County | Silver Bow |
| Nearest City | Butte |
| River/Stream | Basin Creek |
| Coordinates | 45.85460, -112.54600 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 101 ft |
| Dam Height | 101 ft |
| Dam Length | 275 ft |
| Year Completed | 1897 (129 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,170 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,170 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,115 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 55 acres |
| Drainage Area | 12 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | BUTTE-SILVER BOW |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 07/01/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT00374 |
| Federal ID | MT00374 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |