Bearpaw Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Bearpaw Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1958 and is 68 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 64 ft (taller than 98.1% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 380 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 616 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 36 acres |
| Drainage Area | 51 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 398 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1958 (68 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1995 |
| NID ID | MT00115 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
STATE OF MONTANA, D.F.W.P.
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bearpaw Lake Dam?
Bearpaw Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bearpaw Lake Dam?
Bearpaw Lake Dam is owned by STATE OF MONTANA, D.F.W.P. (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bearpaw Lake Dam built?
Bearpaw Lake Dam was completed in 1958, making it 68 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bearpaw Lake Dam?
Bearpaw Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bearpaw Lake Dam?
Bearpaw Lake Dam has a dam height of 64 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bearpaw Lake Dam last inspected?
Bearpaw Lake Dam was last inspected on October 11, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.