Dry Blood Creek Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dry Blood Creek Detention Dam, located in Petroleum, Montana, serves as a critical flood risk reduction structure along Dry Blood Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1964, this gravity dam stands at a height of 45 feet and has a hydraulic height of 35 feet. With a storage capacity of 529.2 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2435 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the dam underwent structural modifications in 2008 to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition, with regular inspections conducted to monitor its performance. While no state regulatory oversight is in place, the Bureau of Land Management is actively involved in the operation, maintenance, and regulatory aspects of the dam to uphold safety standards and protect the local community from potential hazards.
As an integral component of the flood control infrastructure in the region, Dry Blood Creek Detention Dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the area from the impacts of extreme weather events and fluctuating water levels. With its strategic location and design features, this dam exemplifies the importance of proactive risk management and maintenance practices in ensuring the resilience of water resource infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns.
Years Modified |
2008 - Structural |
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
45 |
River Or Stream |
Dry Blood Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
51.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
35 |
Drainage Area |
11.3 |
Nid Storage |
529.2 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
45 |
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.
Dry Blood Creek Detention Dam