Georgetown Dam

Deer Lodge, Montana· Built 1900· 55 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Georgetown Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. 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 55 ft (taller than 97.2% in MT)
Dam Length525 ft
Max Storage77.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage31.0K acre-ft
Surface Area2,850 acres
Max Discharge1,400 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
NID IDMT00225

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 22, 2021
State Regulated: No

Ownership

Granite County Montana

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Georgetown Dam?

Georgetown 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 Georgetown Dam?

Georgetown Dam is owned by Granite County Montana (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Georgetown Dam built?

Georgetown Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Georgetown Dam?

Georgetown Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Georgetown Dam?

Georgetown Dam has a dam height of 55 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 Georgetown Dam last inspected?

Georgetown Dam was last inspected on July 22, 2021. 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.