Br-45 Retention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Anita Dam Thretening Times
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Br-45 Retention Dam, located in Zurich, Montana, along Battle Creek and the Milk River, was completed in 1937 by the Bureau of Land Management for flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This gravity dam stands at a structural height of 17 feet and has a hydraulic height of 12 feet, with a length of 446 feet. With a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet, the dam serves its primary purpose effectively, with a hazard potential rated as low.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Br-45 Retention Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, and its last inspection was in September 2017. Despite not being state regulated or permitted, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Situated in a picturesque county in Montana, this dam is a testament to effective federal intervention in flood risk reduction efforts, highlighting the importance of such structures in mitigating climate-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
446 |
River Or Stream |
BATTLE CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
4.7 |
Nid Storage |
63 |
Structural Height |
17 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Br-45 Retention Dam