Pr-19 Retention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Pr-83 Retention Dam Row
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
The Pr-19 Retention Dam, located in Saco, Montana, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and creating a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1936 by HKM Engineering, this gravity dam stands at 27 feet tall with a structural height of 23 feet and a length of 770 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 249.5 acre-feet and is primarily owned, funded, designed, constructed, regulated, and inspected by the Bureau of Land Management.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2015, the dam has a high hazard potential and is classified as a very high risk (1) structure. The last inspection was conducted in July 2020, with an inspection frequency of 1 year. The dam features a controlled spillway and has a maximum discharge capacity of 5780 cubic feet per second, serving the Tallow Creek watershed in the Phillips County. With its location in a high-risk area, continuous monitoring and risk management measures are crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of the Pr-19 Retention Dam for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Years Modified |
2008 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
770 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
Tallow Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
51.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
249.5 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Pr-19 Retention Dam