Silver Lake West Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Silver Lake West Dam, located in Deer Lodge, Montana, is a vital piece of infrastructure with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Built in 1918, this earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a storage capacity of 17,920 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the TR-GEORGETOWN LAKE river/stream, serving as a key water resource for the surrounding area.

With a hazard potential rated as high and a fair condition assessment as of August 2015, Silver Lake West Dam is subject to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a spillway type unspecified, with a maximum discharge capacity of 130 cubic feet per second. Despite its age, the dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Owned by the local government and regulated by the DNRC, Silver Lake West Dam is an essential component of the irrigation infrastructure in Montana. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance efforts, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1918

Dam Length

1292

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

TR-GEORGETOWN LAKE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

340

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

17920

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

17
       
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.