Glacier Lake Dam

TR-WRANGLE CREEK· Missoula, Montana· Built 1915· Earth· 12 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Glacier Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 9.2% in MT)
Dam Length210 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage240 acre-ft
Normal Storage210 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge100 cfs
Year Completed1915 (111 years old)
NID IDMT01361

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: August 1, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DNRC

Ownership

CITY OF MISSOULA

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Glacier Lake Dam?

Glacier 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 Glacier Lake Dam?

Glacier Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF MISSOULA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Glacier Lake Dam built?

Glacier Lake Dam was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Glacier Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Glacier Lake Dam?

Glacier Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 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 Glacier Lake Dam last inspected?

Glacier Lake Dam was last inspected on August 1, 2017. 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.