Mystic Lake Dam 
Generating capacity: 12 megawatts*
2065 W. Rosebud Road
Fishtail, MT 59028

Mystic Lake Dam is a two-unit hydroelectric plant on the West Rosebud Creek in the Beartooth Mountains, about 75 miles southwest of Billings, in southern Montana. The units have a total generating capacity of 12 megawatts. (One megawatt can satisfy the average energy needs of 750 households.)

The dam, which began operation in 1925, is 388 feet long and 41 feet high. Its reservoir is 2 miles long and has a storage capacity of 21,000 acre-feet. Mystic Lake Dam is classified as a “storage generation” project because it uses the water stored in its reservoir to generate electricity.

Two campgrounds in the lower valley downstream serve anglers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts attracted to the area from late spring to early fall. 

Mystic Lake Dam is among the first hydroelectric facilities in the nation to follow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s new integrated licensing process, designed to streamline the license renewal process. The licensing process requires consideration of fisheries, wildlife, habitat, water quality, recreation, cultural resources and aesthetics around each hydroelectric facility.

Although PPL Montana’s license to produce power at Mystic Lake Dam doesn’t expire until December 2009, the license-renewal process was started in mid-2003 and includes input from fishery, wildlife, cultural, recreational and other public organizations affected by operations at the dam. More information on the license-renewal process is available at PPL Montana’s dedicated Web site, www.mysticlakeproject.com.

*winter capacity as of August 2006.