Powell
Powell is an earth dam located in Powell County, Montana, built in 1981. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Powell
The primary purpose of Powell is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by State Of Montana, D.o.c. (state). It impounds the Ut Powell Creek near Deer Lodge.
The dam stands 52 feet tall and stretches 1,250 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 240 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 250 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1981, the structure is 45 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/13/2024.
At 52 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Montana dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Montana |
| County | Powell |
| Nearest City | Deer Lodge |
| River/Stream | Ut Powell Creek |
| Coordinates | 46.35440, -112.84940 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,250 ft |
| Year Completed | 1981 (45 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 250 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 230 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 240 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,600 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | STATE OF MONTANA, D.O.C. |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 06/13/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT00043 |
| Federal ID | MT00043 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |