Medicine Lake Dam No. 10 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Medicine Lake Dam No.
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Summary
10, located in Sheridan, Montana, is a federal structure owned and operated by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Built in 1935, this earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and stretches 1150 feet in length, creating a fish and wildlife pond that serves as its primary purpose. With a storage capacity of 7000 acre-feet, this dam on Lake Creek covers a surface area of 220 acres and has a drainage area of 690 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, Medicine Lake Dam No. 10 is currently in poor condition as of the last assessment in 2016. The dam features other controlled outlet gates and a spillway width of 406 feet, with a maximum discharge capacity of 5150 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not been modified in recent years and does not fall under the jurisdiction of state regulations, its inspection frequency is set at every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Medicine Lake Dam No. 10 presents an interesting case study of a federal dam managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats. With its historical significance and unique design features, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for supporting the local ecosystem in Sheridan, Montana. As efforts continue to maintain and improve its condition, this dam remains a focal point for environmental stewardship and water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
1150 |
Dam Height |
8 |
River Or Stream |
Lake Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
220 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
690 |
Nid Storage |
7000 |
Structural Height |
8 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
8 |
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. 10