Gutshot Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Gutshot Detention Dam, located in Valley, Montana, was completed in 1965 by the Bureau of Land Management with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Willow Creek/Milk River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This gravity dam stands at a hydraulic height of 30 feet and a structural height of 38 feet, with a length of 2061 feet and a storage capacity of 3326.9 acre-feet. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has a low hazard potential and an unsatisfactory condition assessment.
Managed and funded by the Bureau of Land Management, Gutshot Detention Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood control in the region. With a surface area of 297.31 acres and a normal storage capacity of 3139 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. Despite its outdated inspection date in 2009, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and poses a low hazard potential to the community.
While Gutshot Detention Dam has not been state-regulated or inspected since 2009, it remains an essential component of flood risk reduction efforts in the area. With its satisfactory but unsatisfactory condition assessment and moderate risk assessment level, the dam continues to provide valuable flood protection services to the residents of Nashua, Montana, and the surrounding areas. As climate change intensifies and water resources become increasingly precious, the maintenance and upkeep of structures like Gutshot Detention Dam are crucial for safeguarding communities against the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
2061 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
297.31 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Nid Storage |
3326.9 |
Structural Height |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
38 |
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.
Gutshot Detention Dam