Kerns Lake (Powell) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kerns Lake (Powell) is a picturesque reservoir located in Powell, Montana, just outside the city of Deer Lodge.


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Summary

This state-owned lake serves primarily for irrigation purposes and was completed in 1965. The dam, classified as an Earth type, stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 122 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 92 acre-feet.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Kerns Lake is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its safety and functionality. The dam has a high hazard potential but has been deemed to be in satisfactory condition during the last assessment in January 2018. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is in place, with the last revision dating back to January 2022.

Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the area, Kerns Lake (Powell) is not only a vital water resource for the region but also a recreational spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With its rich history and important role in irrigation, this reservoir is a significant part of the water infrastructure in the Powell County, Montana.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TR-TIN CUP JOE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

4.9

Nid Storage

122

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

26
       
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.