Pr-54 Retention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: French Fry #1 Demontigny
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Pr-54 Retention Dam, located in Phillips County, Montana, is a federal-owned gravity dam constructed in 1936 by the Bureau of Land Management for fire protection, stock, and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Standing at a hydraulic height of 22 feet and a structural height of 29 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 57.13 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.8 acres. It serves the purpose of retaining water from the Whitewater Creek/Milk River, with a drainage area of 0.7 square miles.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Pr-54 Retention Dam has not been rated for its condition. The dam spans 483 feet in length and is primarily constructed with buttress and stone core types. While its inspection frequency is set at every five years, the last recorded inspection date was in August 2016. The dam does not feature spillway facilities or outlet gates, and there have been no reported modifications to its structure over the years.
Managed solely by the Bureau of Land Management, Pr-54 Retention Dam plays a crucial role in local water resource management and environmental conservation efforts. Through its strategic location and purposeful design, this dam stands as a testament to the ingenuity and foresight of federal agencies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
483 |
River Or Stream |
WHITEWATER CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
5.8 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
0.7 |
Nid Storage |
57.13 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Pr-54 Retention Dam