News Release Archive

Reclamation to Conduct Geotechnical Investigation at Fresno Dam

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

For Release: July 24, 2017

BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Bureau of Reclamation will conduct geotechnical investigations at Fresno Dam starting in late July and continuing into early September.

The investigations, which are being conducted in support of Reclamation's Safety of Dams Program, are designed to help Reclamation determine embankment and foundation characteristics for use in verifying the continued safe operation of the facility. The investigations will involve drilling five exploratory holes within the dam embankment. Two of the drill holes are planned to be completed from the crest of the dam which will necessitate a road restriction to a single 11-foot lane. The road restriction is anticipated to begin July 26 and end August 17. No change in reservoir operations is anticipated as a result of the project.

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

Questions concerning the investigations should be directed to 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