Mud Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Deer Lodge, Montana, Mud Lake is a state-owned reservoir with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, and small fish pond.


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Summary

Built in 1950, this earth dam stands at 25 feet high with a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 8.5 acres and is fed by the TR-Tin Cup Joe Creek, serving as a vital water resource for the surrounding area.

Despite its fair condition assessment, Mud Lake poses a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections by the state regulatory agency, DNRC. The last inspection in June 2019 revealed the dam's structural integrity to be in good standing, with necessary enforcement and emergency action plans in place. The reservoir's proximity to Congressional District 00, Montana, underscores its importance for local water management and conservation efforts.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the ecological significance of Mud Lake as a critical infrastructure for both human and environmental needs. With its strategic location and functions, this reservoir serves as a lifeline for fire protection, livestock, and aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the intersection of water management and sustainable development in the region.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-TIN CUP JOE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.5

Hydraulic Height

20

Nid Storage

58

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.