News Release Archive

Reclamation to Conduct Investigations at Fresno Dam

Media Contact: Jack Conner, (406) 247-7300, jconner@usbr.gov

For Release: August 20, 2015

BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) will conduct geotechnical investigations at Fresno Dam starting in late August and continuing into early October.

The investigations, which are being conducted in support of Reclamation's Safety of Dams Program, are designed to help determine embankment and foundation characteristics for use in verifying the continued safe operation of the facility. The investigations will involve several exploratory drill holes within the dam embankment as well as open trench excavations along the downstream face of the dam. Several of the drill holes are located on the crest of the dam which will necessitate a road restriction to a single 10-foot lane. Traffic control measures will be in place while drilling. No change in reservoir operations is anticipated as a result of the investigations.

Construction of Fresno Dam was completed in 1939. The dam is located on the Milk River about fifteen miles west of Havre, Montana, and is owned and operated by Reclamation.

Questions concerning the investigations should be directed to Mr. Jack Conner of Reclamation's Montana Area Office at (406) 247-7300.

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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