Gleason Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gleason Lake, located in Ravalli, Montana, is a privately owned irrigation reservoir with a primary purpose of supporting agricultural water needs.


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Summary

The earth dam structure, completed in 1922, stands at a height of 14 feet and has a storage capacity of 180 acre-feet. The lake covers an area of 16 acres and is fed by Willow Creek. Despite its age, Gleason Lake has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.

The dam at Gleason Lake is regulated and inspected by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring that it meets state standards for safety and operation. While the spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 10 feet, the overall risk assessment for the reservoir is moderate. The last inspection took place in June 2003, with a scheduled frequency of every 10 years. Gleason Lake offers a glimpse into Montana's irrigation infrastructure, serving as a vital water resource for the surrounding agricultural community in Corvallis.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in Montana may find Gleason Lake to be an intriguing example of early 20th-century water management practices. Its historical significance, combined with its continued functionality and state regulation, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring irrigation reservoirs in a changing climate. With its moderate risk assessment and low hazard potential, Gleason Lake stands as a testament to the enduring resilience of water infrastructure in the face of environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

TR-WILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

180

Structural Height

14

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.