Half Barrel Detention Dam

WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER· Valley, Montana· Built 1956· Gravity·
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Half Barrel Detention Dam is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Length1,255 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage44 acre-ft
Normal Storage144 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
NID IDMT00685

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 5, 2009
State Regulated: No

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Half Barrel Detention Dam?

Half Barrel 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 Half Barrel Detention Dam?

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

When was Half Barrel Detention Dam built?

Half Barrel Detention Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Half Barrel Detention Dam?

Half Barrel Detention 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 Half Barrel Detention Dam last inspected?

Half Barrel Detention Dam was last inspected on August 5, 2009. 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.