Deerhead Lake Dam

BOND CREEK· Beaverhead, Montana· Built 1929· Earth· 13 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Deerhead Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 13 ft (taller than 14.7% in MT)
Dam Length141 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage144 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge53 cfs
Year Completed1929 (97 years old)
NID IDMT00819

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: July 10, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

D J MARCHESSEAULT

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Deerhead Lake Dam?

Deerhead Lake Dam 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 Deerhead Lake Dam?

Deerhead Lake Dam is owned by D J MARCHESSEAULT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Deerhead Lake Dam built?

Deerhead Lake Dam was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 Deerhead Lake Dam?

Deerhead Lake Dam 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 Deerhead Lake Dam?

Deerhead Lake Dam has a dam height of 13 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 Deerhead Lake Dam last inspected?

Deerhead Lake Dam was last inspected on July 10, 2014. 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.