Drag Creek Retention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Clamhopper #1 State-Klamert
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Petroleum County, Montana, the Drag Creek Retention Dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Drag Creek/Musselshell River.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam stands at a hydraulic height of 24 feet and a structural height of 35 feet, with a length of 760 feet and a storage capacity of 413 acre-feet. With a controlled spillway and a hazard potential rated as low, the dam plays a vital role in mitigating potential flood risks in the area.
Despite its fair condition assessment, the Drag Creek Retention Dam is regularly inspected every five years to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control. Managed and funded by the Bureau of Land Management, this structure maintains a very high risk rating due to its critical importance in protecting the surrounding community from potential inundation events. As a federal-owned and operated facility, the dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between government agencies to safeguard water resources and mitigate climate-related risks in the region.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the Drag Creek Retention Dam stands as a testament to proactive flood risk reduction measures. With its strategic location and design, this dam serves as a vital asset in protecting the local community from potential flooding, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
760 |
River Or Stream |
DRAG CK./MUSSELSHELL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
48.61 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
12.8 |
Nid Storage |
413 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
35 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Alex Camp
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Homestead - Robert Woods
|
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Crooked Creek- Lake Fort Peck
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Drag Creek Retention Dam