Script Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Script Detention Dam, located in Nashua, Montana, is a gravity dam constructed in 1957 by the Bureau of Land Management for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
With a structural height of 17 feet and a hydraulic height of 13 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 129.42 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 98 acre-feet. The dam's primary source agency is the DOI BLM, and it falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District.
Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Script Detention Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management for the Willow Creek/Milk River. The uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 2 feet, helps regulate water flow in the area. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in mitigating potential water-related hazards.
The dam, which serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for the community, is inspected every five years to assess its condition and readiness for emergencies. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, its importance for fire protection and water management underscores the need for ongoing support and oversight from the Bureau of Land Management to uphold its functionality and safety standards.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
1060 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
22.44 |
Hydraulic Height |
13 |
Nid Storage |
129.42 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Script Detention Dam