Medicine Lake Dam No. 12 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Medicine Lake Dam No.
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Summary
12, located in Sheridan, Montana, was completed in 1935 by the Bureau of Biological Survey as a Federal project. This Earth dam, standing at a height of 10 feet, serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond along Lake Creek. With a storage capacity of 2,210 acre-feet and a surface area of 362 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's poor condition as of the last assessment in 2016 raises concerns about its long-term stability. Its primary purpose of supporting fish and wildlife habitats underscores its importance in the region. The dam's controlled outlet gates and slide spillway highlight the engineering design that allows for water management and conservation efforts. As a key structure in the area, ensuring the proper maintenance and upkeep of Medicine Lake Dam No. 12 is essential for both water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
LAKE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
362 |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
486 |
Nid Storage |
2210 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled, Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
10 |
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. 12