Swift Dike (pondera)
Swift Dike (pondera) is an earth dam located in Pondera County, Montana, built in 1967. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Swift Dike (pondera)
The primary purpose of Swift Dike (pondera) is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Pondera Canal & Res. Co. (private). It impounds the Birch Creek Offstream.
The dam stands 53 feet tall and stretches 457 feet across, and has a maximum storage capacity of 34,000 acre-feet. Completed in 1967, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years 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 10/05/2023.
At 53 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
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 | Pondera |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | Birch Creek Offstream |
| Coordinates | 48.16540, -112.87420 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 53 ft |
| Dam Height | 53 ft |
| Dam Length | 457 ft |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 34,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 34,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 30,000 acre-ft |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | PONDERA CANAL & RES. CO. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 10/05/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT00580 |
| Federal ID | MT00581S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |