Chessman Saddle Dam
Chessman Saddle Dam is an earth dam located in Jefferson County, Montana, built in 1908. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Chessman Saddle Dam
The primary purpose of Chessman Saddle Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Helena (local government). It impounds the Buffalo Creek near Montana City.
The dam stands 27 feet tall and stretches 105 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 114 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,870 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1908, 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 08/27/2020.
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.
Location
| State | Montana |
| County | Jefferson |
| Nearest City | Montana City |
| River/Stream | Buffalo Creek |
| Coordinates | 46.47455, -112.18483 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Length | 105 ft |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,870 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,870 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,400 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 114 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 590 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | CITY OF HELENA |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/27/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT01562 |
| Federal ID | MT01090S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |