Swift (pondera)
Swift (pondera) is a concrete dam located in Pondera County, Montana, built in 1967. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Swift (pondera)
The primary purpose of Swift (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.
The dam stands 205 feet tall and stretches 573 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 205 feet, this dam is taller than 99% 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 | Pondera |
| Nearest City | None |
| River/Stream | Birch Creek |
| Coordinates | 48.16290, -112.87210 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 205 ft |
| Dam Height | 205 ft |
| Dam Length | 573 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 |
| Max Discharge | 33,700 cfs |
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 | MT00581 |
| Federal ID | MT00581 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |