Newlan Creek Dam
Newlan Creek Dam is an earth dam located in Meagher County, Montana, built in 1977. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Newlan Creek Dam
The primary purpose of Newlan Creek Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Newlan Creek Water District (local government). It impounds the Newlan Creek near Ulm.
The dam stands 131 feet tall and stretches 850 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 317 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 15,600 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 43 square miles. Completed in 1977, the structure is 49 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/17/2021.
At 131 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 | Meagher |
| Nearest City | Ulm |
| River/Stream | Newlan Creek |
| Coordinates | 46.63630, -110.93760 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 131 ft |
| Dam Height | 112 ft |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 15,600 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 15,600 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 12,230 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 317 acres |
| Drainage Area | 43 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,260 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | NEWLAN CREEK WATER DISTRICT |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 06/17/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT01596 |
| Federal ID | MT01596 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |