Pr-71 Retention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Meeting Place Tuttle
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Pr-71 Retention Dam in Malta, Montana, built in 1936 by the Bureau of Land Management, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond support.
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Summary
This gravity dam, with a structural height of 16 feet and a hydraulic height of 11 feet, stands on Alkali Creek near the Milk River. The dam has a storage capacity of 131.04 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 33.6 acres, benefiting the local community and wildlife.
Owned and funded by the Bureau of Land Management, Pr-71 Retention Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. The dam, made of buttress and stone core types with unknown foundations, has a length of 581 feet and is designed for efficient water retention in the region. Although the dam does not have a spillway or outlet gates, it plays a crucial role in water management and ecosystem conservation in Phillips County, Montana.
Despite not being state-regulated or inspected, Pr-71 Retention Dam remains an essential infrastructure for water resource management in the area. Its historical significance, combined with its multiple functionalities and low risk level, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring this vital structure for the benefit of both human and natural communities.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
581 |
River Or Stream |
ALKALI CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
33.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
11 |
Drainage Area |
3.1 |
Nid Storage |
131.04 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
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.
Pr-71 Retention Dam