Kerns Lake (powell)
Kerns Lake (powell) is an earth dam located in Powell County, Montana, built in 1965. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Kerns Lake (powell)
The primary purpose of Kerns Lake (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 Tr-tin Cup Joe Creek near Deer Lodge.
The dam stands 26 feet tall and stretches 1,150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 10 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 122 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 4 square miles. Completed in 1965, 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/19/2024.
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 | Tr-tin Cup Joe Creek |
| Coordinates | 46.40070, -112.84410 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Height | 26 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 122 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 122 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 92 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 10 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | STATE OF MONTANA, D.O.C. |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 06/19/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | MT01393 |
| Federal ID | MT01393 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |