Canyon Ferry Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Canyon Ferry, also known as Canyon Ferry Lake, is a federal water resource located in Lewis and Clark County, Montana.


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Summary

Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, this concrete gravity dam stands at a height of 225 feet and was completed in 1953. With a maximum storage capacity of over 2 million acre-feet, Canyon Ferry serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and recreation.

Situated on the Missouri River, Canyon Ferry covers a surface area of 34,435 acres and has a drainage area of 15,860 square miles. The dam's spillway, with a width of 204 feet, is controlled and can handle a maximum discharge of 150,000 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment for Canyon Ferry is currently not available, and the risk assessment is classified as very high.

Visitors to Canyon Ferry can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The reservoir provides critical habitat for fish and wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its strategic location and impressive engineering, Canyon Ferry continues to be a vital water resource for Montana and a testament to effective water management practices.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

225

River Or Stream

MISSOURI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

34435

Hydraulic Height

172

Drainage Area

15860

Nid Storage

2051000

Structural Height

225

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

225
       
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.