News Release Archive

Reclamation to Conduct Investigations at Nelson Dikes

Media Contact: Todd Dixon, (406) 247-7300, tdixon@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: February 17, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation will conduct investigations of the Nelson Dikes outlet works beginning the week of February 27, 2006. The investigations are being conducted as part of Reclamation's Safety of Dams program and will require two to three weeks to complete. The work will be conducted with the assistance of the Malta Irrigation District.

Reclamation's Safety of Dams program includes a periodic technical analysis of the condition of all of its dams to ensure that they do not present an unacceptable risk to the downstream population. The original construction methods used, age of the structure, and the recently completed technical analysis were considered in the determination to conduct the investigations of the dikes at this time. Information from the investigations will be used to help evaluate the condition of the concrete outlet conduits and the earthen materials in the dikes around the conduits.

Nelson Dikes are located about 19 miles northeast of Malta and are operated and maintained by the Malta Irrigation District. Nelson Dikes were constructed by Reclamation in 1914 and 1915 and were enlarged in 1921 and 1922.

Responses to Potential Questions for Nelson Dikes Outlet Works Investigations February 2006.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Great Plains Region Home Page

Monana Area Office Home Page