Reser Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Br-8 Retention Dam Elias #1
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Reser Dam, located in Chinook, Montana, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Summary
Completed in 1980, this gravity dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering opportunities for activities such as fishing and boating. With a hydraulic height of 31 feet and a structural height of 37 feet, the dam impounds the Reser Creek, Lodge Creek, and Milk River, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 450 acre-feet.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 3 feet, and it has a low hazard potential. Despite its unsatisfactory condition assessment, the risk assessment for Reser Dam is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures. The last inspection was conducted in July 2020, with a frequency of every 5 years. While the dam has not been modified over the years, its association with the Bureau of Land Management ensures that it is subject to federal oversight and regulatory requirements to ensure public safety and environmental protection. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Reser Dam represents a unique example of a recreational dam in the picturesque Montana landscape, highlighting the intersection of water management and outdoor recreation.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
846 |
River Or Stream |
RESER CR/LODGE CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
46.78 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
523.93 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Reser Dam