Fort Belknap No. 16 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Belknap No.


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Summary

16 is a historic dam located in Phillips, Montana, completed in 1937 and managed by the Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs. With a dam height of 17 feet and a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet, the structure serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. While the dam is not regulated by the state and has a low hazard potential, its presence plays an essential role in water management and conservation efforts in the region.

Despite its age, the condition assessment of Fort Belknap No. 16 is currently listed as "Not Available," indicating a need for further evaluation and maintenance. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment are also marked as incomplete, suggesting a potential area for improvement in emergency preparedness. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding and monitoring the condition of structures like Fort Belknap No. 16 becomes increasingly important for sustainable water management practices.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Fort Belknap No. 16 offers a valuable case study in the intersection of infrastructure, environmental conservation, and climate resilience. As efforts to address water scarcity and quality intensify, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Fort Belknap No. 16 will be crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of water resources in the region. By staying engaged with the condition and management of such structures, enthusiasts can contribute to the broader conversation on water security and climate adaptation.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Height

17

Nid Storage

72

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.