Sambo #1 Dam Reservoir Report

Nearby: Jfk Mrlca #1

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sambo #1 Dam, located in Phillips, Montana, is a gravity dam with a hydraulic height of 13 feet and a structural height of 17 feet.


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Summary

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this federal-owned structure has a storage capacity of 114.91 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 23.38 acres in an unnamed drainage area. The dam, constructed with buttress and stone core types, serves a primary purpose that is currently unspecified.

With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment that is not rated, Sambo #1 Dam has not been inspected since September 2018, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. While the dam does not have an emergency action plan in place, it meets regulatory guidelines and has not undergone any recent modifications. Despite its relatively small size and low risk level, the dam's location in a remote area underscores the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and longevity for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Dam Length

305

River Or Stream

UNNAMED DRAINAGE

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

23.38

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

1.6

Nid Storage

114.91

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.