Pines Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Pines Dam, located on Willow Creek in Valley, Montana, is a federal-owned gravity dam with a structural height of 20 feet and a hydraulic height of 16 feet.
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Summary
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this dam has a storage capacity of 167.85 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 40.28 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for maintenance and inspection.
Constructed by the Bureau of Land Management, Pines Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, providing flood control and water storage benefits. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet, and while it has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a focus on implementing effective risk management measures to mitigate any potential hazards.
In the event of an emergency, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and preparedness are currently unspecified. However, with a designated inspection frequency of 5 years and the involvement of federal agencies in its ownership, funding, design, construction, regulation, and operation, Pines Dam remains an important infrastructure for water resource management in Montana. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Pines Dam to be a significant structure with implications for both environmental sustainability and community safety.
Dam Length |
862 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
40.28 |
Hydraulic Height |
16 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
167.85 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
Pines Dam