Double Crossing Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Double Crossing Detention Dam, located in Valley County, Montana, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Willow Creek/Milk River.


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Summary

Constructed in 1962 by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam stands at a height of 19 feet and has a hydraulic height of 14 feet, with a storage capacity of 323.1 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is currently marked as unsatisfactory, emphasizing the need for regular maintenance and inspection to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Double Crossing Detention Dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. With a surface area of 59.26 acres and a drainage area of 6.4 square miles, the dam provides essential flood control measures to safeguard nearby communities and agricultural land. Although the dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, efforts have been made to mitigate risks and ensure the overall safety of the structure.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Double Crossing Detention Dam becomes increasingly evident. With an updated inspection frequency of every 5 years and a moderate risk assessment rating, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize the ongoing safety and functionality of this critical flood risk reduction infrastructure in order to protect both people and property in the region.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

2245

River Or Stream

WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

59.26

Hydraulic Height

14

Drainage Area

6.4

Nid Storage

323.1

Structural Height

19

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.