News Release Archive

Reclamation to Continue Geotechnical Investigations at Fresno Dam

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

For Release: August 02, 2017

BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Bureau of Reclamation has completed the first of two drill holes on the crest of Fresno Dam. The drill rig and associated equipment have been moved off the crest of the Dam and all lanes will be open until August 8. Reclamation plans to return to Fresno on August 8 to start drilling the second hole. The remaining drill hole in the crest of the dam will necessitate a road restriction to a single 9-foot lane until August 17.

The investigations, which are being conducted in support of Reclamation's Safety of Dams Program, are designed to help Reclamation determine embankment and foundation characteristic's 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 to be completed from the crest of the dam. 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 Mr. Jack Conner of Reclamation's Montana Area Office at (406) 247-7300, or jconner@usbr.gov.

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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