Pipe Organ Du Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Pipe Organ Du Dam, located in Beaverhead, Montana, is a gravity-type structure with a primary purpose of serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

Built in 2003 by the Bureau of Land Management, this dam stands at a hydraulic height of 7 feet and a structural height of 8 feet, with a length of 2173 feet and a storage capacity of 74 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Beaverhead River and is owned and regulated by the federal government.

With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment, Pipe Organ Du Dam poses minimal risk to surrounding areas. Despite its relatively small surface area of 32 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in providing water resources for fish and wildlife habitat preservation. The controlled spillway and sturdy buttress stone core design ensure efficient water management and structural integrity.

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Pipe Organ Du Dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its continued safe operation. With a very high risk assessment ranking, the dam is well-prepared to handle any emergency situations that may arise. As a vital component of the local ecosystem, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change challenges.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

2173

River Or Stream

BEAVERHEAD RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

7

Nid Storage

74

Structural Height

8

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

8
       
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.