Dead Horse Detention Dam

WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER· Valley, Montana· Built 1960· Gravity·
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Dead Horse Detention Dam is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Length1,024 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage247 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area41 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
Year Modified1960
NID IDMT00700

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: November 13, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Dead Horse Detention Dam?

Dead Horse Detention 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 Dead Horse Detention Dam?

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

When was Dead Horse Detention Dam built?

Dead Horse Detention Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Dead Horse Detention Dam?

Dead Horse Detention Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Dead Horse Detention Dam last inspected?

Dead Horse Detention Dam was last inspected on November 13, 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.