Tarawa Retention Dam

COTTONWOOD CK./MILK RIVER· Phillips, Montana· Built 1947· Gravity·
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Tarawa Retention Dam is classified as low hazard in Montana. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Length1,025 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage56 acre-ft
Normal Storage30 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Year Completed1947 (79 years old)
Year Modified1987
NID IDMT03936

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: September 1, 2017
State Regulated: No

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tarawa Retention Dam?

Tarawa 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 Tarawa Retention Dam?

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

When was Tarawa Retention Dam built?

Tarawa Retention Dam was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Tarawa Retention Dam?

Tarawa 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 Tarawa Retention Dam last inspected?

Tarawa Retention Dam was last inspected on September 1, 2017. 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.