Bison Bone Retention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Fort Peck, Montana, the Bison Bone Retention Dam is a gravity dam primarily used for fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond.
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Summary
Built in 1967 by the Bureau of Land Management, this dam stands at a structural height of 29 feet and has a hydraulic height of 24 feet. With a length of 900 feet, it provides a storage capacity of 476 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 235 acre-feet and a surface area of 41.6 acres.
The dam is situated on the Beauchamp Creek/Missouri River and serves as a vital resource for water conservation in the area. While it has a low hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in July 2011. Despite not being regulated by the state, the Bison Bone Retention Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water supply for various purposes in the region, and its construction, maintenance, and oversight are managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
With its strategic location and purposeful design, the Bison Bone Retention Dam serves as a key infrastructure for water resource management in Phillips County, Montana. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality in the region, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Bison Bone for sustainable water use and conservation cannot be overstated. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of such structures is crucial in ensuring the long-term health and resilience of our water systems.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
900 |
River Or Stream |
BEAUCHAMP CK./MISSOURI RIVER ( |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
41.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
1.6 |
Nid Storage |
476 |
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.
Bison Bone Retention Dam