Lori Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bomber Collins Detention Reservoir
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Lori Detention Dam, located in Saco, Montana, is a gravity dam built in 1964 by the Bureau of Land Management for flood risk reduction along the Willow Creek and Milk River.
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Summary
With a hydraulic height of 15 feet and a structural height of 19 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 253 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 77.5 acres. Despite its unsatisfactory condition assessment, the dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Lori Detention Dam serves as a crucial structure in mitigating flood risks in Valley County. While it lacks certain features such as outlet gates and a controlled spillway, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. The dam's location and design highlight the importance of water resource management in a changing climate, making it a significant asset for both water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in sustainable infrastructure solutions.
As a federal project, Lori Detention Dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government agencies in maintaining and monitoring critical infrastructure. With its historical significance and ongoing risk management measures, the dam serves as a reminder of the need for proactive approaches to water resource management in the face of climate-related challenges. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lori Detention Dam offers a fascinating case study in infrastructure resilience and adaptation in a dynamic environmental landscape.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1548 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
77.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
2.5 |
Nid Storage |
253 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Lori Detention Dam