Como Dam
Como Dam is an earth dam located in Ravalli County, Montana, built in 1910. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Como Dam
The primary purpose of Como Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Bitter Root Irrigation District (public utility). It impounds the Rock Creek near Hamilton.
The dam stands 76 feet tall and stretches 2,550 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 976 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 40,700 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 53 square miles. Completed in 1910, 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. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/19/2023.
At 76 feet, this dam is taller than 97% 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 | Ravalli |
| Nearest City | Hamilton |
| River/Stream | Rock Creek |
| Coordinates | 46.06500, -114.23550 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 76 ft |
| Dam Height | 70 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,550 ft |
| Year Completed | 1910 (116 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 40,700 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 40,700 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 38,495 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 976 acres |
| Drainage Area | 53 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 7,615 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | BITTER ROOT IRRIGATION DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Public Utility |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 07/19/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT00564 |
| Federal ID | MT00564 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |