Reclamation > News & Multimedia > News Stories > 72 years later – The first bucket of concrete poured at Canyon Ferry Dam
72 years later – The first bucket of concrete poured at Canyon Ferry Dam

Back in History

Media Contact: Brittany Jones 406-247-7611 bjones@usbr.gov
For Release: Sep 12, 2022
Photo of Canyon Ferry Dam Photo of Canyon Ferry Dam

HELENA, Mont. – On Sept. 13, 1950, the first bucket of concrete during the construction of Canyon Ferry Dam near Helena, Montana, was poured, and the project was completed June 23, 1954. The first power unit began operating in December 1953, and the first fill of the reservoir occurred in 1955.

The dam is a concrete gravity structure about 1,000 feet in length along the crest with a structural height of 225 feet. It contains 414,400 cubic yards of concrete.

The area began to be settled when a fur trading post was established in 1846, and the discovery of gold and other precious metals in 1862 further enticed people to come. In the 1890s, dryland farmers and ranchers began agricultural and cattle operations along the stream valleys and foothills.

Reclamation conducted a survey for irrigation opportunities in 1941. In 1944, the Canyon Ferry Unit was authorized by the Flood Control Act for development of the water resources.

Project benefits include flood control, irrigation, hydropower, and recreation. Canyon Ferry Reservoir impounds irrigation water for 155,600 acres of land, and supplements irrigation of 82,000 acres in the upper Missouri Area. Canyon Ferry Power Plant, with an installed capacity of 50,000 kilowatts, supplies power needs for residential and commercial use in the surrounding area. Its annual power generation over a 10-year period has averaged 383,700,000 kilowatt-hours. The reservoir, with 33,500 surface acres of water and 96 shoreline miles, offers excellent fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, perch, ling, and walleye. Concrete boat ramps, campgrounds, day-use areas, shelters, swimming, and three marinas are also available for the public to enjoy. For more information about Canyon Ferry recreation visit https://www.recreation.gov/camping/gateways/130.

Return to top