Big Goose Retention Dam

BEAVER CK./MILK RIVER· Phillips, Montana· Built 1975· Gravity·
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Big Goose Retention Dam is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Length1,063 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage100 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1975 (51 years old)
NID IDMT03924

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: August 19, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Big Goose Retention Dam?

Big Goose Retention Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Big Goose Retention Dam?

Big Goose Retention Dam is owned by DOI BLM (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Big Goose Retention Dam built?

Big Goose Retention Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Big Goose Retention Dam?

Big Goose Retention Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Big Goose Retention Dam last inspected?

Big Goose Retention Dam was last inspected on August 19, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.