Jawbone Dike #1

Jawbone Dike #1 is an earth dam located in Wheatland County, Montana, built in 1966. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Jawbone Dike #1

The primary purpose of Jawbone Dike #1 is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by City Of Harlowton (local government). It impounds the Jawbone Creek near Harlowton.

The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 780 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,933 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1966, 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 04/01/2020.

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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMontana
CountyWheatland
Nearest CityHarlowton
River/StreamJawbone Creek
Coordinates46.44230, -109.84059

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height13 ft
Dam Height13 ft
Dam Length780 ft
Year Completed1966 (60 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage1,933 acre-ft
Max Storage1,933 acre-ft
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge140 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerCITY OF HARLOWTON
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection04/01/2020
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMT00785
Federal IDMT00070S001
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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