Tepee Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Tepee Detention Dam, located in Valley County, Montana, was completed in 1958 and is owned by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Summary
This gravity dam, with a height of 14 feet and a length of 866 feet, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond. The dam has a storage capacity of 76.36 acre-feet and a surface area of 18.58 acres, with a hydraulic height of 9 feet.
The primary source agency responsible for the dam is the DOI BLM, and it falls under the jurisdiction of the Omaha District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. While the dam has a low hazard potential, its condition assessment is marked as unsatisfactory. Despite this, the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a need for continued monitoring and potential management measures to ensure its safety and functionality. The last inspection of the dam took place in July 2020, with an inspection frequency of every 5 years.
Overall, Tepee Detention Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing essential services for fire protection and livestock while also serving as a small fish pond. With its historical significance and continued importance, it is vital to prioritize the maintenance and monitoring of this dam to ensure its long-term stability and effectiveness in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource demands.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
866 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
18.58 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
2.5 |
Nid Storage |
76.36 |
Structural Height |
14 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
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.
Tepee Detention Dam