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 85-15-115
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
News
Dam Inspection Assistance Report
The value of high-quality dam inspections and safety evaluations cannot be overstated. In 2024, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) initiated a two year dam inspection cost share pilot study using Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding. This report summarizes the pilot study design, sets forth conclusions from the first year, and recommends that the state pursue a permanent cost-share program. To read the report, click the link below.
March Bulletin 2025
The Dam Safety Program March 2025 Bulletin can be downloaded by clicking on the image. The bulletin includes:
- Important information regarding the 2025 inspection assistance program
- An overview of HB 256, an exciting bill making its way through the Legislature, that could provide benefits to Montana dam owners
- Program updates and staff changes
DNRC Dam Safety Program
dnrdamsafety@mt.gov
1424 9th Avenue
PO Box 201601
Helena, MT 59620-1601
Contacts for Water Operations Bureau REGIONAL ENGINEERS MAP (pdf)
| Douglas Brugger, PE, CFM |
Bureau Chief | Helena Central Office | |
|
Brent Zundel, PE, CFM |
Dam Safety Program Manager / Civil Engineer |
|
Bozeman Regional Office |
|
|
Dam Safety Engineer |
Helena Central Office | |
|
Sam Johnson, PE, CFM |
Dam Safety Construction Engineer | 1371 Rimtop Drive, Billing, MT 59105 |
Billings Regional Office |
| Amanda Peterson | Administrative Support | Helena Central Office | |
|
|
Engineering Services Section Supervisor (Dam Safety, Floodplain, State Water Projects) |
2705 Spurgin Road, Bldg C, Missoula, MT 59806 |
Gallatin, Madison, Park |
|
Linda Winn, CFM |
Billings Regional Engineer |
1371 Rimtop Drive, Billing, MT 59105 |
Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Fallon, Park, Powder River, Prairie, Rosebud, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure, Wibaux, Yellowstone |
|
Garett Waite, EI |
Havre Regional Engineer |
210 Sixth Ave, Havre, MT 59501 |
Blaine, Choteau, Daniels, Glacier, Hill, Liberty, Phillips, Pondera, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Teton, Toole, Valley |
|
Peri Turk, PE, CFM |
Helena Regional Engineer (Dam Safety, Floodplain, State Water Projects)
|
(406) 444-1872 |
Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, Powell, Silver Bow |
|
Ryan Murphy, EI, CFM |
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 |
|
Larry Schock, CFM |
Missoula Regional Engineer (Dam Safety, Floodplain, State Water Projects) |
2705 Spurgin Road, Bldg C, Missoula, MT 59806 |
Flathead, Granite, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, Sanders |
