National Dam Monitoring Center in Montana Safeguards Western Communities

A small team in Ronan tracks 140 dams across the West to provide early warnings and prevent emergencies.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:54pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a serene mountain lake surrounded by towering, fog-shrouded peaks, conveying the overwhelming scale and sublime power of the natural world.The National Monitoring Center's vigilant oversight helps safeguard communities across the West from the powerful, unpredictable forces of nature.Ronan Today

A team of 11 employees at the Bureau of Indian Affairs National Monitoring Center in Ronan, Montana plays a crucial role in keeping communities safe across the western United States by monitoring 140 dams around the clock. The center uses sensors and cameras to track water elevation levels, providing critical data that could save lives when conditions change, and promptly notifying local authorities of any changes to help prevent emergencies.

Why it matters

The National Monitoring Center represents an important early warning system for communities that rely on dams, helping to mitigate the risks of flooding, dam failures, and other potential disasters. By closely tracking water levels and quickly alerting local authorities, the center plays a vital role in protecting lives and property across a wide region.

The details

The National Monitoring Center tracks 140 dams stretching from the western United States to Alaska, and as far away as Mississippi. The facility in Ronan is staffed by a team of 11 employees who monitor the dams 24/7 using internet-connected sensors and cameras to track water elevation levels. When the center detects changes that could indicate an emerging issue, they promptly notify local authorities to allow for early action and prevention of potential disasters.

  • The National Monitoring Center has been operating in Ronan, Montana for several years.
  • The center monitors dams around the clock, 7 days a week.

The players

Ambrose Cook-Saloway

The program manager for the National Monitoring Center in Ronan.

Bureau of Indian Affairs

The federal agency that operates the National Monitoring Center in Ronan, Montana.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

The Native American tribes that the National Monitoring Center represents as part of their broader mission to protect their waters.

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What they’re saying

“The notifications we provide are put in place so we can provide before emergencies happen. We are part of an early warning system.”

— Ambrose Cook-Saloway, Program Manager, National Monitoring Center

“What you really get enjoyment out of, is knowing you are doing something for communities. It is a real sense of pride being able to say hey we helped this community remain safe today.”

— Ambrose Cook-Saloway, Program Manager, National Monitoring Center

What’s next

The National Monitoring Center will continue to closely track water levels at the 140 dams under its surveillance, providing early warnings to local authorities whenever changes are detected that could indicate a potential emergency.

The takeaway

The National Monitoring Center in Ronan, Montana plays a vital role in protecting communities across the western United States by closely monitoring dams and providing early warnings to help prevent disasters. This small team's tireless efforts to track water levels and quickly alert local authorities demonstrate the importance of proactive, centralized monitoring systems in safeguarding public safety.