Gull Wing Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gull Wing Detention Dam, located in Fort Peck, Montana, was completed in 1968 by the Bureau of Land Management to serve as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the Seven Mile Creek/Missouri River.


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Summary

This gravity dam stands at a structural height of 27 feet and a hydraulic height of 22 feet, with a length of 1084 feet and a storage capacity of 476.38 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is to mitigate flood risks in the region, making it a crucial piece of infrastructure for water resource management in Phillips County.

Despite its low hazard potential, Gull Wing Detention Dam currently holds an unsatisfactory condition assessment, indicating the need for potential maintenance and improvements. The dam is under the ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, inspection, and operation of the Bureau of Land Management, highlighting the federal government's role in managing water resources and ensuring public safety. With its strategic location and design features, the dam plays a significant role in protecting the local community from the impacts of flooding and managing water flow in the region.

As a key component of flood risk reduction efforts in Montana, Gull Wing Detention Dam is essential for safeguarding nearby communities and infrastructure from potential water-related disasters. With its moderate risk assessment rating and periodic inspections, there is a continuous need for monitoring and maintenance to ensure the dam's effectiveness in the face of changing climate conditions. The dam's presence underscores the importance of proactive water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in mitigating risks and protecting the environment and public safety.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

1084

River Or Stream

SEVEN MILE CK./MISSOURI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

51.5

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

476.38

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.