Hauser Dam
Hauser Dam is a gravity dam located in Lewis and Clark County, Montana, built in 1911. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Hauser Dam
The primary purpose of Hauser Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Northwestern Energy (private). It impounds the Missouri River near Craig, Mt.
The dam stands 125 feet tall and stretches 732 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 5,970 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 139,890 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 16,876 square miles. Completed in 1911, 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 08/02/2021.
At 125 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 | Lewis and Clark |
| Nearest City | Craig, Mt |
| River/Stream | Missouri River |
| Coordinates | 46.76490, -111.88720 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| NID Height | 125 ft |
| Dam Height | 125 ft |
| Dam Length | 732 ft |
| Year Completed | 1911 (115 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 139,890 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 139,890 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 64,253 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 5,970 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16,876 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 116,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | NorthWestern Energy |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/02/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT00560 |
| Federal ID | MT00560 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |