Easy Retention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jamgo #1 Wb Goffena #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Easy Retention Dam in Musselshell, Montana, is a gravity dam built in 1972 by the Bureau of Land Management for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Located on Willow Creek/Musselshell River, this dam stands at a structural height of 34 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet, providing a storage capacity of 212 acre-feet. With a surface area of 12.52 acres and a drainage area of 2.9 square miles, this low hazard potential dam serves the local community while also contributing to water resource management in the region.
Managed and funded by the Bureau of Land Management, the Easy Retention Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating fire risks, providing water for livestock, and supporting local ecosystems. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam undergoes regular inspections with a 5-year frequency to ensure its safety and functionality. While not currently rated for its condition, the dam's importance in water retention and resource management in Montana highlights the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term effectiveness and sustainability.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
281 |
River Or Stream |
WILLOW CK./MUSSELSHELL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
12.52 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
2.9 |
Nid Storage |
212 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
Easy Retention Dam