List of dams and reservoirs in Montana facts for kids

Montana is a large state with many rivers and beautiful landscapes. To help manage water for different uses, people have built many dams. A dam is like a huge wall built across a river. It holds back water, creating a large lake called a reservoir. These reservoirs store water for when it is needed, especially during dry times. They also help control floods and create electricity.

Dams and Reservoirs in Montana

The spillway of Fort Peck Dam being built. This part helps release extra water safely.

Holter Lake, created by Holter Dam, is a popular spot for boating and fishing.

This section lists some of the important dams and their reservoirs in Montana. A "major dam" is usually very tall, about 50 feet (15 meters) high, and can hold a lot of water. Or, it can be any height but hold an even larger amount of water, like 25,000 acre-feet. These structures are vital for life and activities across the state.

• Black Eagle Dam: This dam helps manage water, though its reservoir does not have a specific name. It is operated by NorthWestern Energy.
• Box Elder Creek Dam: This dam creates Boxelder Lake, which is important for the city of Plentywood.
• Bynum Reservoir Dam: It forms Bynum Reservoir, managed by a local cooperative.
• Canyon Ferry Dam: This large dam creates Canyon Ferry Lake, a popular recreation area. It is managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR).
• Clark Canyon Dam: This dam forms Clark Canyon Reservoir, also managed by the USBR.
• Cochrane Dam: This dam helps manage water for NorthWestern Energy.
• Como Dam: This dam creates Como Lake, managed by the USBR.
• Cooney Dam: This dam forms Cooney Reservoir, which is managed by the State of Montana.
• Fort Peck Dam: One of the largest dams in the world, it creates Fort Peck Lake. It is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
• Fresno Dam: This dam forms Fresno Reservoir, managed by the USBR.
• Gibson Dam: This dam creates Gibson Reservoir, managed by the USBR.
• Hauser Dam: This dam forms Hauser Lake, operated by NorthWestern Energy.
• Hebgen Dam: This dam creates Hebgen Lake, managed by NorthWestern Energy.
• Holter Dam: This dam forms Holter Lake, operated by NorthWestern Energy.
• Hungry Horse Dam: This dam creates Hungry Horse Reservoir, managed by the USBR.
• Kicking Horse Dam: This dam forms Kicking Horse Reservoir, managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
• Libby Dam: This dam creates Lake Koocanusa, a large reservoir. It is managed by the USACE.
• Lower Two Medicine Dam: This dam forms Lower Two Medicine Lake (also known as Lake Elwell), managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
• Madison Dam: This dam creates Ennis Lake, operated by NorthWestern Energy.
• Milltown Dam: This dam was removed to help clean up the river.
• Morony Dam: This dam helps manage water for NorthWestern Energy.
• Mystic Lake Dam: This dam creates Mystic Lake, operated by NorthWestern Energy.
• Noxon Rapids Dam: This dam forms Noxon Reservoir, managed by Avista.
• Rainbow Dam: This dam helps manage water for NorthWestern Energy.
• Ryan Dam: This dam helps manage water for NorthWestern Energy.
• Lake Sherburne Dam: This dam creates Lake Sherburne, managed by the USBR.
• SKQ Dam: This dam helps manage water for Flathead Lake, operated by Energy Keepers Inc.
• Swift Dam: This dam creates Swift Reservoir, managed by a local company.
• Thompson Falls Dam: This dam helps manage water for NorthWestern Energy.
• Tiber Dam: This dam creates Lake Elwell, managed by the USBR.
• Tongue River Dam: This dam forms Tongue River Reservoir, managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
• Toston Dam: This dam creates Toston Reservoir, managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources.
• Willow Creek Dam: This dam forms Willow Creek Reservoir, managed by the USBR.
• Yellowtail Dam: This dam creates Bighorn Lake, managed by the USBR.