News Release Archive

Reclamation Steps Up Releases at Highline Facilities

Media Contact: Paula A. Holwegner, (406) 247-7300, pholwegner@usbr.gov
Buck Feist, bfeist@usbr.gov

For Release: May 06, 2010

"Recent precipitation across the Basin has significantly changed water release forecasts from a few weeks ago," stated Mike LaFrentz, Field Manager of the Marias/Milk Rivers Division located in Chester, Mont. "The snow and rain will contribute towards a better water year for all Milk River project beneficiaries," added LaFrentz.

Updated reservoir information is as follows:

Fresno Reservoir has filled and flows over the spillway are currently exceeding 700 cubic feet per second (cfs). St. Mary Canal diversions have been reduced from the seasonal normal flow of approximately 500 cfs to approximately 100 cfs to reduce inflows to Fresno Reservoir.

Nelson Reservoir is full and excess water is being released back to the Milk River.

Sherburne Reservoir releases have been reduced to summer minimums, allowing the reservoir to start filling two weeks earlier than previously expected.

"This recent precipitation will enable our reservoirs to sustain higher pool levels longer into the summer months," stated LaFrentz. "For the short term, high flows will be experienced on the Milk River below Fresno due to the higher than expected runoff that is occurring in the Basin above Fresno," he added.

Up to date information for the Milk River Project and other Reclamation projects throughout Montana can be found at: http://www.usbr.gov/gp/lakes_reservoirs/montana_lakes.htm.

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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:

Montana Area Office Home Page