Old Dibbler Ret. Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Austin #2 E Wasson #1
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Old Dibbler Ret.
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Summary
Dam, located in Whitewater, Montana, is a gravity dam completed in 1912 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this federal-owned structure stands 22 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 18 feet and a length of 959 feet. With a storage capacity of 287 acre-feet and a surface area of 57.2 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in the White Water Creek/Milk River watershed, providing essential water resources for the surrounding area.
Despite its age, Old Dibbler Ret. Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. While it has not been inspected since September 2017, the structure is under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, ensuring proper maintenance and oversight. With no known emergency action plan in place, there is room for improvement in terms of risk assessment and management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of this vital water resource infrastructure. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Old Dibbler Ret. Dam serves as a historic landmark that continues to support the local ecosystem and community.
Year Completed |
1912 |
Dam Length |
959 |
River Or Stream |
WHITEWATER CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
57.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
5.3 |
Nid Storage |
287 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Old Dibbler Ret. Dam