Lake Sherburne
Key Takeaway
Lake Sherburne is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 | 109 ft (taller than 99.3% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 110.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 67.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,163 acres |
| Max Discharge | 4,084 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | MT00572 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Sherburne?
Lake Sherburne 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 Lake Sherburne?
Lake Sherburne is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Sherburne built?
Lake Sherburne was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Lake Sherburne?
Lake Sherburne 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 Lake Sherburne?
Lake Sherburne has a dam height of 109 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 Lake Sherburne last inspected?
Lake Sherburne was last inspected on August 12, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.