Melstone Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jennaway #1 Bs Kincheloe #6
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Situated in the picturesque county of Musselshell, Montana, the Melstone Detention Dam stands as a crucial water resource managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Summary
This gravity-type dam, completed in 2003, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance. With a height of 23 feet and a capacity of 209 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in regulating the flow of the Musselshell River and providing essential water storage for the surrounding area.
Despite its important function, the Melstone Detention Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its unsatisfactory condition, as indicated by a risk assessment rating of moderate. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it lacks outlet gates for additional safety measures. Regular inspections are conducted to monitor its structural integrity, with the last assessment date recorded in July 2020. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the Melstone Detention Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for effective management and maintenance of critical infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
1050 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
MUSSELSHELL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
40.79 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
2.5 |
Nid Storage |
209 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Melstone Detention Dam