Dam repairs planned for Lion Lake

The Flathead National Forest is preparing to make improvements to the Lion Lake dam located near Hungry Horse. The water level will be lowered three feet over the next several weeks so that additional studies can occur and to prepare for improvements.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation built the Lion Lake dam in the late 1940s for the government’s camp water system during construction of the Hungry Horse Dam.

The BLM later transferred ownership of the dam to the Forest Service. At some point, the original lake elevation was raised 3 feet above the design level to enhance the lake’s fishing and recreation features.

The Forest Service said the dam is nearly 70 years old and needs rehabilitation. Design work is underway for work that will include replacing the outlet works, repairing the earthen dam and installing an emergency spillway.

The Forest Service said it plans to keep the reservoir 3 feet below its normal level until the repair work is completed. The intent is to implement the repairs during the summer of 2021.

No closures are expected during the draw down or during the summer season of 2020. There may be a short-term closure at the recreation site near the dam during the summer of 2021, at the time of the improvement work.

For more information, contact the Hungry Horse Ranger Station at 406-387-3800.