Medicine Lake Dam No. 11 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Medicine Lake Dam No.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
11, located in Montana's Sheridan County, serves as a vital resource for the Fish and Wildlife Service, functioning as a Fish and Wildlife Pond since its completion in 1935. This Earth-type dam stands at 9 feet in height, with a length of 650 feet, providing a storage capacity of 8,300 acre-feet for the conservation of water resources. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 reported poor maintenance, highlighting the need for regular inspections and potential rehabilitation efforts to ensure its continued functionality.
With a drainage area of 490 acres and a surface area of 300 acres, Medicine Lake Dam No. 11 plays a crucial role in managing the water flow of Lake Creek, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2,650 cubic feet per second. The dam features other controlled outlet gates like slide gates, enabling the controlled release of water to maintain optimal water levels for the surrounding wildlife habitat. Furthermore, the dam's location within the Omaha District under the ownership and regulation of the Fish and Wildlife Service underscores its importance for ecological conservation efforts in the region.
Despite its significant contribution to water management and wildlife conservation, Medicine Lake Dam No. 11 faces challenges related to its poor condition assessment and the lack of regular maintenance and inspection schedules. As a Federal-owned structure, it is imperative for the Fish and Wildlife Service to prioritize the rehabilitation of this dam to mitigate potential risks and ensure its long-term sustainability. By investing in necessary upgrades and implementing proper management measures, this dam can continue to support the ecological balance of the surrounding area and safeguard the water resources for future generations.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
650 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
Lake Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
300 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
490 |
Nid Storage |
8300 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled, Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Medicine Lake Dam No. 11