Current Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Current Detention Dam, located in Fort Peck, Montana, is a gravity dam primarily used for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1969 by the Bureau of Land Management, this structure stands at a hydraulic height of 34 feet and a structural height of 33 feet, with a length of 480 feet. With a storage capacity of 156.4 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 17 acres and serves a drainage area of 5.3 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Current Detention Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition, requiring regular inspections every five years. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 2 feet, and it has no outlet gates or associated structures. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date yet to be determined, there is a lack of emergency action preparedness and inundation maps for the site.

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Current Detention Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the area, providing vital support for fire prevention and livestock maintenance. As climate change continues to impact water availability and risk management strategies, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Current Detention Dam becomes increasingly significant for ensuring community safety and water resource sustainability in the region.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

480

River Or Stream

BEAUCHAMP CK./MISSOURI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

5.3

Nid Storage

156.4

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

34
       
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.