Canyon Lake
Key Takeaway
Canyon Lake is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1891 and is 135 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 21 ft (taller than 61.7% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 400 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 425 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1891 (135 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2003 |
| NID ID | MT01173 |
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
CANYON CREEK IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Wyant Lake
Ravalli, MT
Low Hazard 18 ftHigh Lake
Ravalli, MT
High Hazard 30 ftHauf Lake
Ravalli, MT
Low Hazard 16 ftSears
Ravalli, MT
Low Hazard 10 ftMill Lake
Ravalli, MT
High Hazard 25 ftFred Burr Lake
Ravalli, MT
Low Hazard 24 ftBlodgett Lake
Ravalli, MT
Low Hazard 14 ftUpper Twin Lakes
Ravalli, MT
Low Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Canyon Lake?
Canyon Lake 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 Canyon Lake?
Canyon Lake is owned by CANYON CREEK IRRIGATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Canyon Lake built?
Canyon Lake was completed in 1891, making it 135 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 Canyon Lake?
Canyon Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Canyon Lake?
Canyon Lake has a dam height of 21 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 Canyon Lake last inspected?
Canyon Lake was last inspected on September 25, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.