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- Recreational Use at Tiber Reservoir Severely Limited
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Recreational Use at Tiber Reservoir Severely Limited
Media Contact:
Paula Holwegner, (406) 247-7300, pholwegner@usbr.gov
For Release: June 28, 2011
BILLINGS, MONT. -- Reservoir water levels at Tiber Reservoir (Lake Elwell) are well into the flood pool, at the request of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to help assist in major flood control efforts downstream of the Corps' Fort Peck Reservoir on the mainstem of the Missouri River. The reservoir elevation at Tiber is currently slightly over 3,008 feet and is expected to continue rising into the 4th of July weekend.
The high reservoir levels have inundated most of Tiber's recreation areas, access roads, and boat ramps. In addition, many of the vault toilets and group use shelters are now submerged, presenting potentially hazardous obstacles for boaters.
Camping opportunities on the reservoir continue to be severely limited due to high water levels, with only the VFW campground and Marina areas open to campers. Sanford Park Campground and boat launch below the dam remain open, but the only boat ramp currently open for use on the reservoir is the ramp at Tiber Marina.
"One of the main reasons that Tiber Dam was constructed was to assist in downstream flood control during events exactly like we experienced this spring," said Mike LaFrentz, Reclamation's Marias-Milk Rivers Division Manager. "The high water levels are creating some problems and hardships locally, particularly for land owners adjacent to the reservoir and the recreational user; but, we are asking the public to be patient and understanding of the extreme impacts being experienced further downstream on the mainstem system," said LaFrentz.
"I urge all recreationists to be extremely cautious of floating and submerged hazards while on the water, as these less than desirable conditions are expected to continue through the usually busy 4th of July weekend," said LaFrentz.
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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.
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