Target Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Skeeter Detention Dam Bomber
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
The Target Detention Dam, located in Nashua, Montana, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Willow Creek/Milk River.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam stands at 18 feet tall with a structural height of 15 feet and a length of 1575 feet. With a storage capacity of 619 acre-feet and a surface area of 97.01 acres, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed and funded by the Bureau of Land Management, the Target Detention Dam has been deemed to have a low hazard potential, but its current condition assessment is unsatisfactory. Despite this, the risk assessment for the dam remains moderate, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With a designated inspection frequency of 5 years, it is crucial for stakeholders and enthusiasts in water resource and climate management to stay informed and engaged in the upkeep of this important infrastructure.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts track the Target Detention Dam's progress and maintenance, they can also appreciate its historical significance and engineering feat in managing flood risk in the region. With its location in a remote area of Valley County, Montana, the dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity in mitigating natural disasters and protecting communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events. By staying engaged with the dam's updates and maintenance efforts, enthusiasts can contribute to the preservation of this vital infrastructure for future generations.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1575 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
97.01 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
5.4 |
Nid Storage |
619 |
Structural Height |
18 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Target Detention Dam