Crisafulli Lake

Crisafulli Lake is an earth dam located in Dawson County, Montana, built in 1959. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Crisafulli Lake

The primary purpose of Crisafulli Lake is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Cottonwood Country Club (private). It impounds the Tr-yellowstone River near Forest Park.

The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 242 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 133 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1959, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/07/2022.

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.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateMontana
CountyDawson
Nearest CityForest Park
River/StreamTr-yellowstone River
Coordinates47.13152, -104.74501

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height22 ft
Dam Height22 ft
Dam Length242 ft
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage133 acre-ft
Max Storage133 acre-ft
Normal Storage133 acre-ft
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeIrrigation
OwnerCOTTONWOOD COUNTRY CLUB
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection04/07/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDMT00842
Federal IDMT00842
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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