Lima Dam
" ....dams play a crucial role in maintaining the vitality of Montana's economy. The state therefore has a legitimate and compelling interest in encouraging the construction of dams." "The legislature further finds that one impediment to the construction of new dams is the potential liability associated with dam construction and operation. The legislature understands the inherent risks to public safety associated with dam construction and operation but finds that compliance with the Montana Dam Safety Act reduces those risks to an acceptable level."
---- Montana Code Annotated 85-15-215
Is Your Dam Above Homes, Highways or Other Structures?
Construction and Repair of Dams
Complaints, Emergencies and Tools for Dam Safety
Dam Safety Publications, Videos and Bulletins
- Dams in Montana: Everything you wanted to know about Montana dams, and more
- Legal Liability of Dam Ownership in Montana: A legal perspective on dam ownership
- Montana Dams and Hydropower: Clear information on the complex topic of hydropower generation
- Montana High Hazard Dams Map: A frequently updated map with information on High Hazard Dams
Dam Safety Resources
NEWS
Recent Administrative Rules Update / Red Tape Reduction
Several modifications to the Administrative Rules of Montana for Dam Safety were adopted in September 2022. These modifications are part of a statewide Red Tape Reduction Effort. Modifications to the rules included the following:
- Clarified terminology
- Repealed rules requiring performance bonding (considered redundant)
- Removed outdated references to federal guidelines
- Provided a waiver option for certain hazard classification situations
- Provided flexibility for scheduling the Five-Year Visual Inspection to better accommodate reservoir operation.
- Removed signature requirements for Emergency Action Plans
Guidance for Five Year Dam Evaluations
Draft Guidance to assist engineers and dam owners complete the Five Year Dam Evaluation is now available. The guidance is part of a larger effort to ensure:
- Dams are evaluated according to state laws and
- Provide tools and templates to make the evaluation process clear and efficient for dam owners and their engineers.
The main purpose of the guidance is to clarify requirements for the Safety Evaluation portion of the Five Year Dam Evaluation (ARM 36.14.6) to promote consistency and remove uncertainty. In the past, High-Hazard dams were all expected to complete a rigorous analyses of hydrology, stability, and hydraulics every five years. However, for dams with lower downstream consequences, it is appropriate for engineers to consider simplifying assumptions in these analyses. The Guidance lays out a pathway for owners, engineers and DNRC to consider downstream consequences in their decision making. DNRC welcomes comments and feedback on the draft guidance. Please go to the Five Year Dam Evaluation Page for more information and a link to download the draft guidance document.
DNRC Dam Safety Program
dnrdamsafety@mt.gov
1424 9th Avenue
PO Box 201601
Helena, MT 59620-1601
Contacts REGIONAL ENGINEERS MAP (pdf)
| Steve Story, PE, CFM | Bureau Chief | Helena Central Office | |
| Michele Lemieux, PE | Dam Safety Program Manager / Civil Engineer | Helena Central Office | |
| Chadrick Hill | Dam Safety Engineer |
Helena Central Office | |
| Amanda Peterson | Administrative Assistant | Helena Central Office | |
| VACANT |
Havre Regional Engineer |
210 Sixth Ave, Havre, MT 59501 |
Blaine, Choteau, Daniels, Glacier, Hill, Liberty, Phillips, Pondera, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Teton, Toole, Valley |
| Brent Zundel, PE, CFM |
Engineering Services Section Supervisor Bozeman Regional Engineer |
2273 Boot Hill Court, Ste 10, Bozeman, MT 59715 |
Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, Madison, Powell, Silver Bow |
| Larry Schock, CFM | Missoula Regional Engineer (Dam Safety, Floodplain, State Water Projects) |
2705 Spurgin Road, Bldg C, Missoula, MT 59806 |
Granite, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli |
| Sam Johnson, PE, CFM | Billings Regional Engineer (Dam Safety, Floodplain, State Water Projects) |
1371 Rimtop Drive, Billing, MT 59105 |
Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Fallon, Park, Powder River, Prairie, Rosebud, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure, Wibaux, Yellowstone |
| Ryan Murphy, EI | Lewistown Regional Engineer (Dam Safety, Floodplain, State Water Projects) |
613 NE Main, Ste E, Lewistown, MT 59457 |
Cascade, Dawson, Fergus, Garfield, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, McCone, Meagher, Musselshell, Petroleum, Richland, Wheatland |
| VACANT | Kalispell Regional Engineer | 655 Timberwolf Parkway Ste 4, Kalispell, MT 59901 |
Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Sanders |