Glacier Lake South Dam
Key Takeaway
Glacier Lake South Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 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 | 20 ft (taller than 44.5% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 253 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 2.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 151 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,650 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | MT01446 |
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
STATE WATER PROJECTS
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Glacier Lake South Dam?
Glacier Lake South 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 Glacier Lake South Dam?
Glacier Lake South Dam is owned by STATE WATER PROJECTS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Glacier Lake South Dam built?
Glacier Lake South Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 South Dam?
Glacier Lake South Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Glacier Lake South Dam?
Glacier Lake South Dam has a dam height of 20 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 South Dam last inspected?
Glacier Lake South Dam was last inspected on June 24, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.