Bison Retriever Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bison Retriever is a private earth dam located in Elk Park, Montana, along Bison Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1945, this multipurpose structure serves as a fire protection, stock, and small fish pond facility. With a dam height of 15 feet and a length of 600 feet, Bison Retriever has a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 55 acre-feet. The dam is owned by a private entity and is regulated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
Despite its low hazard potential, Bison Retriever has not been rated for its condition assessment. The dam does not have an emergency action plan (EAP) in place, and there are no updated inundation maps or risk assessment reports available. While the structure has not been modified in recent years, the lack of detailed information on its current condition and management measures raises concerns about its long-term safety and resilience. As a crucial water resource in the area, stakeholders and regulators may need to prioritize further assessment and risk mitigation efforts to ensure the continued functionality and safety of Bison Retriever for both water supply and environmental protection purposes.
In the scenic Jefferson County of Montana, Bison Retriever stands as a historical landmark with a rich legacy dating back to its construction in the mid-20th century. As climate change impacts continue to affect water resources in the region, the importance of maintaining and monitoring structures like Bison Retriever becomes increasingly pronounced. With its diverse purposes and critical location along Bison Creek, this earth dam represents a unique intersection of human intervention and natural water management, underscoring the complex relationship between infrastructure, climate, and sustainable water resource management in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
BISON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
15 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Freedom Point Campground
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Lowland
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Lowland Campground and Picnic Area
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Delmoe Lake Campground and Picnic Area
|
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Delmoe Lake
|
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The Lunch Room
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Bison Retriever