Br-52 Retention Dam Reservoir Report

Nearby: Frog Beaver

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Br-52 Retention Dam, located in Dodson, Montana, is a federal-owned structure designed and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management.


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Summary

Built in 1937, this gravity dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along Wayne Creek and the Milk River. With a structural height of 19 feet and a hydraulic height of 13 feet, the dam offers a maximum storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 15 acres.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, Br-52 Retention Dam is not rated for its condition assessment, with the last inspection conducted in September 2017. The dam spans a length of 397 feet and is composed of buttress and stone core types, making it a vital component of water resource management in the region. While it does not have a spillway or outlet gates, its strategic location and design highlight its importance in mitigating potential flood risks and protecting the surrounding area from water-related disasters. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and operational significance of Br-52 Retention Dam in safeguarding the local community and environment.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

397

River Or Stream

WAYNE CK./MILK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

15

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

0.9

Nid Storage

54

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.