Deerhead Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Deerhead Lake Dam, located in Silver Star, Montana, is a private earth dam built in 1929 for irrigation purposes on Bond Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 13 feet with a length of 141 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 144 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 53 cubic feet per second. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway width is 5 feet, serving as a safety feature to prevent overflow during heavy rainfall.

The dam is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, with state inspections and enforcement in place to ensure compliance with safety standards. Although the hazard potential is deemed significant, the condition assessment is labeled as "Not Rated," suggesting the need for further evaluation to determine its structural integrity. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is room for improvement in risk management measures to mitigate potential dangers associated with the dam.

Overall, Deerhead Lake Dam plays a crucial role in supporting irrigation activities in the area, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring its structural integrity to safeguard both water resources and surrounding communities. As a vital piece of infrastructure in the region, continued oversight and maintenance efforts will be essential in ensuring the safety and reliability of the dam for years to come.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

141

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

BOND CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

12

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

144

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.