Lobella Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Twin Forks (Dawson) Dwarf
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Lobella Detention Dam, located in Glendive, Montana, serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1956 by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam stands at a height of 21 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15 feet. With a storage capacity of 122.1 acre-feet and a surface area of 23.06 acres, Lobella Detention Dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the area.
The dam, situated on Cedar Creek and the Yellowstone River, is primarily owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Although categorized as having a low hazard potential, its condition assessment is marked as unsatisfactory, indicating the need for maintenance or repairs. Despite its moderate risk level, Lobella Detention Dam remains an essential structure for water resource management and climate resilience in the region. With its uncontrolled spillway type and a history of federal funding and oversight, Lobella Detention Dam stands as a reminder of the intricate balance between human development and environmental stewardship in water infrastructure projects.
As a key component of the water management system in Dawson County, Montana, Lobella Detention Dam underlines the importance of sustainable dam operations for both ecological and human needs. With the potential to be a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, the dam's history, design, and purpose reflect the complex interplay between water infrastructure, regulatory agencies, and community resilience. As discussions around dam safety and maintenance continue, Lobella Detention Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing challenges and opportunities in managing water resources in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
483 |
River Or Stream |
CEDAR CK./YELLOWSTONE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
23.06 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
122.1 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Yellowstone River At Glendive Mt
|
6000cfs |
Beaver Creek Nr Trotters
|
0cfs |
Powder River Near Locate Mt
|
231cfs |
Little Missouri River At Medora
|
64cfs |
Little Missouri River At Marmarth
|
12cfs |
Deep Creek Nr Amidon
|
0cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Lobella Detention Dam