Park Lake Dam

PRICKLY PEAR CR, TRIBUTARY OF· Jefferson, Montana· Built 1872· Earth· 31 ft tall
High Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Park Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1872 and is 154 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 31 ft (taller than 90.2% in MT)
Dam Length394 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage729 acre-ft
Normal Storage389 acre-ft
Surface Area38 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge4,500 cfs
Year Completed1872 (154 years old)
NID IDMT03842

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 30, 2020
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USDA FS

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Park Lake Dam?

Park 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 Park Lake Dam?

Park Lake Dam is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Park Lake Dam built?

Park Lake Dam was completed in 1872, making it 154 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 Park Lake Dam?

Park Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Park Lake Dam?

Park Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Park Lake Dam last inspected?

Park Lake Dam was last inspected on September 30, 2020. 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.