Canyon Lake dam
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake, located in Ravalli, Montana, is a picturesque reservoir with a primary purpose of irrigation. The dam, completed in 1891, stands at a height of 21 feet and has a storage capacity of 500 acre-feet, making it a vital water resource for the region. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition and is regularly inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
The reservoir, fed by Canyon Creek, covers a surface area of 32 acres and serves as a critical water source for agricultural activities in the area. With a spillway width of 11 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has a high hazard potential but is managed effectively to mitigate any risks. The surrounding area is at a moderate risk level, according to assessments, emphasizing the importance of proper risk management measures.
Canyon Lake's scenic beauty and essential role in providing water for irrigation highlight its significance in the local community. As a regulated and inspected structure, it ensures the sustainable use of water resources while also contributing to the region's resilience against climate challenges. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Canyon Lake to be a fascinating example of how infrastructure can support both human needs and environmental stewardship.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Canyon Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Bitterroot River At Bell Crossing Nr Victor Mt | 2,520 cfs | → |
| Bitterroot River Near Darby Mt | 1,340 cfs | → |
| West Fork Bitterroot River Nr Conner Mt | 296 cfs | → |
| Middle Fork Rock Cr Nr Philipsburg Mt | 294 cfs | → |
| Bitterroot River Near Missoula Mt | 4,130 cfs | → |
| Clark Fork Below Missoula Mt | 8,870 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Canyon Lake.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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About Canyon Lake
Where does the data for Canyon Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.