Lake Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Creek, located in Lincoln, Montana, is a privately owned hydroelectric dam with a primary purpose of generating power.


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Summary

This gravity dam, completed in 1917, stands at a height of 44 feet and spans a length of 268 feet, holding back a reservoir with a storage capacity of 249 acre-feet. The dam controls the flow of the Lake Creek and Kootenai River, with a maximum discharge capacity of 6,925 cubic feet per second.

With a surface area of 30 acres and a drainage area of 215 square miles, Lake Creek poses a high hazard potential due to its very high risk assessment rating. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 104 feet and is equipped with 18 slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. While the condition assessment is not available, the last inspection in September 2020 revealed the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Despite its federal regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the dam is not state-regulated nor subject to state inspection, permitting, or enforcement.

Lake Creek serves as a vital component of the region's water resource infrastructure and contributes to the local hydroelectric power generation. Enthusiasts interested in water resources and climate in the area can appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of this structure, while also recognizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to safeguard against potential hazards and ensure the sustainable use of this valuable resource.

Year Completed

1917

Dam Length

268

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

Lake Creek, Kootenai River

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

215

Nid Storage

249

Structural Height

44

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 18

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

44
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.