Lion Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Lion Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1948 and is 78 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 22 ft (taller than 63.5% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 588 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 43 acres |
| Drainage Area | 200 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 158 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
| NID ID | MT01571 |
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
USDA FS
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lion Lake Dam?
Lion Lake 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 Lion Lake Dam?
Lion Lake Dam is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lion Lake Dam built?
Lion Lake Dam was completed in 1948, making it 78 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 Lion Lake Dam?
Lion Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lion Lake Dam?
Lion Lake Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Lion Lake Dam last inspected?
Lion Lake Dam was last inspected on July 8, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.