Little Bunny Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Little Bunny Detention Dam, located in Fort Peck, Montana, was completed in 1967 by the Bureau of Land Management as a Gravity type dam with a primary purpose of Flood Risk Reduction along the Rock Creek and Missouri River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a structural height of 24 feet, the dam has a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a length of 996 feet, providing a storage capacity of 215.76 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 23.2 acres. Despite its low Hazard Potential and fair Condition Assessment, the dam is monitored by the Bureau of Land Management with inspections conducted every five years to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

This federal-owned dam has no associated structures and features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 2 feet. Although it has not been modified in recent years, the dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for managing flood risk in the region and contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in Phillips County, Montana. With a moderate risk assessment rating and no documented emergency action plan, the Little Bunny Detention Dam continues to play a vital role in protecting the local community and environment from potential flooding events along the Rock Creek and Missouri River.

As one of the key flood risk reduction structures in the area, the Little Bunny Detention Dam remains a significant asset in the water resource management landscape of Montana. With its solid construction and regular monitoring by the Bureau of Land Management, the dam serves as a reliable barrier against potential floods and contributes to the overall resilience of the region's water infrastructure. Climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals alike can appreciate the importance of this dam in safeguarding the local community and environment from the impacts of extreme weather events and ensuring sustainable water management practices in Phillips County.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

996

River Or Stream

ROCK CK./MISSOURI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

23.2

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

3.4

Nid Storage

215.76

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.