08/30/2026
All construction at Kintla Lake is complete! Efforts to plug the historic Butte Oil Well at Kintla Lake this summer were successful, removing safety and health hazards from the area.
Prior to the establishment of Glacier National Park in 1910, mines were developed in the area. One of these sites was at Kintla Lake, which became Montana’s first oil well in 1901. However, soon after its establishment, the historic well caught fire and was abandoned.
In 2023, natural gases were detected to be leaking from the Butte Oil Well. The area is seismically active; tremors and changing pressures within the bedrock often lead to gas escapes. Such conditions present a health and safety hazard.
Plugging the well was considered essential to reduce methane leaks, prevent the migration of chemicals into the lake, minimize physical hazards, and ensure adherence to environmental regulations. Contractors worked with park staff in July and August to plug and cap the well.
Operations at Kintla Lake have now returned to normal for the Kintla Lake frontcountry campground, the Kintla Lake wilderness campground, and trails in the area. Thanks to all who worked on this project, making the Kintla area safer and healthy for all!
NPS Photo
