Deep Cut Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Deep Cut Detention Dam in Montana, owned by the Bureau of Land Management, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
This gravity dam, completed in 1960, has a structural height of 22 feet and a hydraulic height of 17 feet, with a storage capacity of 343 acre-feet and a surface area of 27.49 acres. Located on Willow Creek/Milk River in Valley County, the dam has a low hazard potential and is in fair condition, with a moderate risk assessment.
This uncontrolled spillway dam, with a length of 949 feet, plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. Despite being non-federally regulated, the dam provides essential support for local firefighting efforts and livestock maintenance. With its moderate risk level and fair condition, the Deep Cut Detention Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for the community, demonstrating the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Maintaining and monitoring the Deep Cut Detention Dam is essential to ensure its continued functionality and safety. With regular inspections and risk assessments, coupled with effective risk management measures, the dam can continue to serve its multiple purposes while safeguarding the surrounding environment and communities. As water resources become increasingly strained due to climate change, structures like the Deep Cut Detention Dam play a crucial role in ensuring water availability and resilience in the face of future challenges.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
949 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
27.49 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
2.2 |
Nid Storage |
343 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Deep Cut Detention Dam