Clark Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Clark Canyon, located in Dillon, Montana, is a federal-owned dam managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Summary

Built in 1963, this earth dam stands at a height of 148 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction and irrigation purposes along the Beaverhead River. With a storage capacity of 328,979 acre-feet and a surface area of 6,606 acres, Clark Canyon plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 70 feet, and it has a high hazard potential due to its location. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Clark Canyon is not available, but regular inspections are conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation. The emergency action plan was last revised in June 2020, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and risk management for potential emergencies.

Overall, Clark Canyon is a vital infrastructure for flood protection and irrigation in Beaverhead County, Montana. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of dams like Clark Canyon is essential in ensuring the sustainable management of our water supply and mitigating the risks associated with extreme weather events.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

2950

Dam Height

148

River Or Stream

BEAVERHEAD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6606

Hydraulic Height

126

Drainage Area

2315

Nid Storage

328979

Structural Height

148

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

148
       
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.