Br-12 Retention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Br-12 Retention Dam, located in Savoy, Montana, has been a key infrastructure asset for flood risk reduction since its completion in 1936.


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Summary

Owned and operated by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans a length of 852 feet, with a storage capacity of 322 acre-feet. Situated on Fifteenmile Creek and Milk River, the dam plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events, highlighting its importance in water resource management.

Despite its age, Br-12 Retention Dam has undergone structural modifications in 2019 to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of 2017, the dam is subject to regular inspections to maintain its safety standards. In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan is being continuously updated to meet guidelines and ensure swift and effective response measures. Overall, Br-12 Retention Dam serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in safeguarding the local community and environment from the impacts of extreme weather events, showcasing the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.

Years Modified

2019 - Structural

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

852

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

FIFTEENMILE CK./MILK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

108

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

27.2

Nid Storage

322

Structural Height

23

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.