Smith Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Smith Lake is a privately owned dam located in Cottonwood, Montana, within Lewis and Clark County.


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Summary

Built in 1954, this earth dam stands at a height of 15 feet and serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a storage capacity of 201 acre-feet, Smith Lake plays a vital role in providing water resources for the surrounding area, particularly during dry seasons.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Smith Lake is classified as a significant hazard potential structure. Despite its importance, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as "Not Rated," indicating a need for further evaluation and potential maintenance. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and inundation maps preparation are also listed as pending, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety and integrity of this water resource for both the local community and the environment.

Located along the TR-Keep Cool Creek, Smith Lake's strategic position within the watershed and its role in water storage and management make it a critical asset for the region. With its rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam represents a key component of the water infrastructure in Montana and underscores the importance of effective regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

TR-KEEP COOL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

201

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.