Hanson Reservoir Dam is an earth dam located in Meagher County, Montana, built in 1932. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
Dam profile
NID height · 13 ft13 ft tall and 477 ft long. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Hanson Reservoir Dam
The primary purpose of Hanson Reservoir Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Elmer Hanson (private). It impounds the Woods Gulch Creek near Great Falls.
The dam stands 13 feet tall and stretches 477 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 28 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 240 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 29 square miles. Completed in 1932, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. The most recent inspection on record was 03/01/1981. That was over 45 years ago.
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 | Great Falls |
| River/Stream | Woods Gulch Creek |
| Coordinates | 46.53820, -111.03210 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Height | 13 ft |
| Dam Length | 477 ft |
| Year Completed | 1932 (94 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 240 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 240 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 84 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 29 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 470 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | Elmer Hanson |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not assessed |
| Last Inspection | 03/01/1981 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT03207 |
| Federal ID | MT03207 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |