Silver Lake West Dam
Key Takeaway
Silver Lake West Dam is classified as high hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1918 and is 108 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 | 17 ft (taller than 34.9% in MT) |
| Dam Length | 1,292 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 17.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 17.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 340 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 130 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1918 (108 years old) |
| NID ID | MT03753 |
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
BUTTE-SILVER BOW
Local Government
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Low Hazard 9 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Silver Lake West Dam?
Silver Lake West 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 Silver Lake West Dam?
Silver Lake West Dam is owned by BUTTE-SILVER BOW (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Silver Lake West Dam built?
Silver Lake West Dam was completed in 1918, making it 108 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 Silver Lake West Dam?
Silver Lake West Dam 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 Silver Lake West Dam?
Silver Lake West Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Silver Lake West Dam last inspected?
Silver Lake West Dam was last inspected on July 8, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.