Glen Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Glen Lake is a picturesque reservoir located in Lincoln, Montana, owned by the local government and regulated by the DNRC.


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Summary

Built in 1950 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth-type dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 3,580 acre-feet and a surface area of 300 acres. The dam stands at 14 feet tall and spans 700 feet along Lick Creek, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.

Despite its critical role in irrigation, Glen Lake poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The last inspection in June 2020 revealed significant maintenance issues, highlighting the urgent need for repairs to ensure the dam's structural integrity and prevent potential risks to downstream communities. With a history of state regulation and enforcement, ongoing inspections, and an emergency action plan in place, efforts are underway to address the dam's deteriorating condition and mitigate any potential hazards associated with the reservoir.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, keeping a close eye on Glen Lake's maintenance and risk assessment is crucial to safeguarding the surrounding environment and communities. With its historical significance, high hazard potential, and critical role in irrigation, maintaining the dam's integrity and implementing risk management measures are essential steps in preserving this valuable water resource for future generations.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

LICK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

300

Hydraulic Height

11

Nid Storage

3580

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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.