By Josh Margolis
HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Milk River Joint Board of Control and the State of Montana Reclamation announced Wednesday, June 10 they will be replacing two drop structures on the St. Mary Canal.
The replacement will be for Drop 2 and Drop 5. These high-risk structures were inspected last month after a concrete drop structure failed at the canal.
Together, HDR Engineering and Sletten Construction Companies will be carrying out the replacement. These participating parties will be working alongside the Blackfeet Tribe to ensure all tribal clearances are met.
The replacements are scheduled to be completed by the end of summer 2020 and could potentially provide late water delivery to Fresno Reservoir for next season storage.
Nelson Reservoir and Fresno Dam currently have above average water levels and are set to provide irrigation deliveries into next month. Irrigated acres below Nelson Reservoir will continue normal operations and an early shutoff date has not been discussed. Nelson Reservoir storage levels will be monitored closely for carryover storage for next year.
So far, Municipal water shortages below Fresno Dam are not anticipated.
The St. Mary Canal is located near Glacier National Park and is 29 miles in length. The canal provides municipal water and irrigation to many communities on the Hi-line.
For more information and detailed updates visit usbr.gov.
