Kerns Lake (Powell)
Key Takeaway
Kerns Lake (Powell) is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 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 | 26 ft (taller than 77.8% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 1,150 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 122 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 92 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | MT01393 |
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 OF MONTANA, D.O.C.
State Government
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Kerns Lake (Powell)?
Kerns Lake (Powell) 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 Kerns Lake (Powell)?
Kerns Lake (Powell) is owned by STATE OF MONTANA, D.O.C. (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Kerns Lake (Powell) built?
Kerns Lake (Powell) was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Kerns Lake (Powell)?
Kerns Lake (Powell) 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 Kerns Lake (Powell)?
Kerns Lake (Powell) has a dam height of 26 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 Kerns Lake (Powell) last inspected?
Kerns Lake (Powell) was last inspected on June 25, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.