Crisafulli Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Crisafulli Lake, also known as Cottonwood Country Club Dam, is a private water resource located in Forest Park, Montana.


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Summary

This Earth type dam was completed in 1959 and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with secondary benefits including recreation. The dam has a height of 21.8 feet and a hydraulic height of 20.3 feet, with a storage capacity of 133 acre-feet, making it a significant resource for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Crisafulli Lake is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state jurisdiction. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 12 feet, and it has a high hazard potential, despite a satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2020. The dam is situated on TR-Yellowstone River, serving a drainage area of 4.5 square miles and posing a moderate risk level according to assessments.

With a location at S22 16N 55E, Crisafulli Lake plays a vital role in providing water for irrigation and recreation in the region. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1950s, the dam continues to be a key infrastructure asset in Dawson County, offering both opportunities for water resource management and potential risks that require ongoing monitoring and management.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

242

Dam Height

21.8

River Or Stream

TR-YELLOWSTONE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20.3

Drainage Area

4.5

Nid Storage

133

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

22
       
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.