News Release Archive

Reclamation to Conduct Investigations at Helena Valley Dam

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

For Release: June 19, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation will be conducting follow-up investigations at the Helena Valley Dam from approximately June 28 through July 1, 2006. The planned work is an outcome of investigations conducted in 2003 as part of Reclamation's Safety of Dams program, which includes periodic facility condition evaluations.

Unlike the 2003 investigations which required the reservoir to be drawn down significantly, no change in reservoir operations or reservoir level is anticipated during these investigations. However, the investigations will involve drilling on the crest of the dam with a truck-mounted drill rig and vehicular traffic across the dam will be restricted to a single lane.

Construction of Helena Valley Dam was completed in 1958. The dam is located about eight miles northeast of Helena, Montana, and is operated and maintained by the Helena Valley Irrigation District. Recreation facilities surrounding the reservoir are managed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

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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