Carlton Lake #1

CARLTON CREEK· Missoula, Montana· Built 1899· Earth· 22 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Carlton Lake #1 is classified as significant hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1899 and is 127 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 63.5% in MT)
Dam Length420 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage450 acre-ft
Surface Area40 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1899 (127 years old)
NID IDMT01156

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 25, 2003
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

CARLTON CREEK IRRIGATION

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carlton Lake #1?

Carlton Lake #1 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Carlton Lake #1?

Carlton Lake #1 is owned by CARLTON CREEK IRRIGATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carlton Lake #1 built?

Carlton Lake #1 was completed in 1899, making it 127 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 Carlton Lake #1?

Carlton Lake #1 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 Carlton Lake #1?

Carlton Lake #1 has a dam height of 22 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 Carlton Lake #1 last inspected?

Carlton Lake #1 was last inspected on September 25, 2003. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.