Lamont Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lamont is a private water resource located in Franklin, Idaho, serving the city of Preston.


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Summary

Built in 1948 for irrigation purposes, this earth dam on the Cub River and Bear River has a height of 67.6 feet and a storage capacity of 2040 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2018, the dam is considered to have a high hazard potential due to its location and design.

Managed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, Lamont is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance. The dam's spillway type is noted as "None," raising concerns about its ability to manage excess water flow during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. With a high risk assessment rating and a history of modifications or updates, Lamont remains a focal point for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.

In the event of an emergency, the dam has an emergency action plan (EAP) that was last revised in 2011. However, it is unclear if the EAP meets current guidelines or if inundation maps have been prepared. With a high-risk profile and the potential for significant downstream impacts, stakeholders must remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of the Lamont water resource for both agricultural and environmental purposes.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

2350

Dam Height

67.6

River Or Stream

CUB RIVER BEAR RIVER

Surface Area

80.3

Hydraulic Height

63.5

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

2040

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

68
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.