Swift Dam, Arch dam in Pondera County, Montana, United States.
Swift Dam is an arch dam built across Birch Creek at the southern edge of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, standing 205 feet tall and stretching 573 feet across the waterway. The concrete structure holds back water to serve agricultural needs across a broad area.
The original dam built in 1914 failed during major flooding in 1964, leading to its replacement with the current concrete structure completed in 1967. The event prompted significant changes to how such structures were designed for safety.
The dam site follows a historic trail where Native Americans traveled for thousands of years between hunting grounds and seasonal camps. You can sense this deep connection to the land in how the local communities relate to the waterway today.
The dam is accessible from nearby roads in the region and visible from several vantage points. Visitors should check conditions before heading out, particularly during high water periods when water levels can affect the surrounding area.
The dam complex includes a secondary earthen dike running parallel to the main concrete structure, forming a dual protection system. This layered design shows how engineers solve water management challenges through multiple barriers.
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