The Tarawa Retention Dam, located in Hinsdale, Montana, stands as a crucial federal structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1947, this gravity dam serves multiple purposes such as fire protection, livestock maintenance, and creating a small fish pond. With a hydraulic height of 17 feet and a structural height of 22 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 55.6 acre-feet, with normal storage levels at 29.8 acre-feet. The dam's controlled spillway and low hazard potential make it an essential asset for water resource management in the region.
Despite its importance, the Tarawa Retention Dam currently faces challenges with a poor condition assessment, indicating a need for maintenance and upgrades. The risk assessment categorizes the structure as having a very high risk level, emphasizing the urgency for potential risk management measures to be implemented. The dam's unique design incorporating a buttress and stone core, spanning 1025 feet in length, showcases its historical significance in enhancing water resource sustainability in the Cottonwood Creek/Milk River watershed. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience would find the Tarawa Retention Dam an intriguing case study for exploring the intersection of infrastructure management, environmental stewardship, and community safety in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
1025 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CK./MILK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
17.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
55.6 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
22 |