South. Fork Dry Blood Creek Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
South Fork Dry Blood Creek Detention Dam, located in Fort Peck, Montana, was completed in 1963 by the Bureau of Land Management for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Blood Creek and Musselshell River.
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Summary
This gravity dam stands at a structural height of 36 feet with a hydraulic height of 32 feet, providing a storage capacity of 425 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is categorized as having a moderate risk level, emphasizing the need for ongoing risk management measures.
Owned, funded, designed, and regulated by the Bureau of Land Management, the South Fork Dry Blood Creek Detention Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating potential flooding events in the area. With a surface area of 47.36 acres and a drainage area of 0.3 square miles, this uncontrolled spillway dam serves as a vital infrastructure in protecting the surrounding community from water-related disasters. The dam's last inspection in November 2019 revealed its overall fair condition, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness.
In the realm of water resource and climate conservation, the South Fork Dry Blood Creek Detention Dam stands as a testament to the proactive measures taken to address flood risk in vulnerable regions. By understanding the dam's structural specifications, purpose, and risk assessment, enthusiasts can appreciate the intricate balance between engineering solutions and environmental stewardship in safeguarding communities against the impact of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
1010 |
River Or Stream |
BLOOD CK./MUSSELSHELL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
47.36 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
0.3 |
Nid Storage |
425 |
Structural Height |
36 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
36 |
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.
South. Fork Dry Blood Creek Detention Dam