Ruins Detention Dam

WILLOW CK./MILK RIVER· Valley, Montana· Built 1965· Gravity·
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Ruins Detention Dam is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Length536 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage202 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Year Completed1965 (61 years old)
Year Modified1965
NID IDMT00752

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 2, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ruins Detention Dam?

Ruins 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 Ruins Detention Dam?

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

When was Ruins Detention Dam built?

Ruins Detention Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Ruins Detention Dam?

Ruins 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 Ruins Detention Dam last inspected?

Ruins Detention Dam was last inspected on November 2, 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.