Br-43 Retention Dam Reservoir Report

Nearby: Frog Beaver

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Br-43 Retention Dam, located in Dodson, Montana, is a gravity dam constructed in 1936 by the Bureau of Land Management to reduce flood risk along the Thirty Mile Creek/Milk River.


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Summary

With a structural height of 21 feet and a hydraulic height of 17 feet, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events. It has a storage capacity of 53 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 13 acres.

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Br-43 Retention Dam is designed to withstand low hazard potential, with a condition assessment that has not been rated. The dam has not been modified since its completion, and it is not subject to state regulation or inspection. Despite its age, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction effectively. The dam's proximity to the Omaha District and its ownership by the federal government highlight the importance of collaboration in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

As an essential infrastructure project in the region, Br-43 Retention Dam stands as a testament to the proactive measures taken to protect communities and natural resources from flooding. Its location in Blaine County, Montana, and its association with the Bureau of Land Management underscore the significance of federal agencies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources. With a continuous commitment to monitoring and maintenance, this dam remains a vital component in the overall water management strategy for the area.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

385

River Or Stream

THIRTYMILE CK./MILK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

17

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

53

Structural Height

21

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

21
       
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.