Smith Lake Dam History

• Constructed in 1937 on a natural lake
• FWP rebuilt dam in 1940’s, fish were reared for research and stocking programs until late 1960’s
• Primary purposes: Recreation, fishing
• Dam Height: 12 feet
• Dam Storage: 125 acre-feet
• Dam Classification: High Hazard

Project History

In 2000, the DNRC classified the Smith Lake dam as “high-hazard” and in 2001, the DNRC completed recommendations of actions to reduce the risk of dam failure. In 2005, the DNRC took action to lower the dam’s risk until full rehabilitation could be completed, which included: tree removal, debris removal, cover installation over spillway structure and flashboard removal to lower lake level. In the fall of 2011, the DNRC was awarded two grants that would reconstruct the Smith Lake Dam.

Work Breakdown

• Dewatering of Smith Lake
• Removal of concrete spillway
• Construction of new embankment
• Construction of new rock lined spillway
• Removal of stream diversion structure
• Hydroseeding
• Log boom (debris containment)

Project Funding

• The total cost of the project was $145,449. To finance the project, the DNRC used the following grant programs and in-kind work:

  • DNRC RRGL Grant: $100,000
    • Grant secured through the RRGL program
  • DNRC In-Kind: $22,769
    • DNRC provided in-kind services, largely consisting of rock talus borrow site for spillway construction and construction of the log boom
  • Montana FWP Future Fisheries Program: $22,680
    • Future Fisheries participated in this project because it allowed the lake to return to full pool, which assisted in the cutthroat trout fishery habitat
  • Trout Unlimited assisted in trout stocking efforts after construction was complete

Project Status & Results

• Project successfully completed in 2012

Project Partners

      Owner: DNRC

     Engineer: Allied Engineering Services, Inc.

     Contractor: Glacier Excavating Inc.