News Release Archive

Reclamation, partners, notify public of lower water levels at Fresno Reservoir

Joint News Release, USBR, Montana FWP & Montana DNRC

Media Contact: Brittany Jones, 406-247-7611, bjones@usbr.gov

For Release: July 24, 2020

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Bureau of Reclamation, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, would like to notify the public that lower water levels at Fresno Reservoir should be anticipated into Spring 2021, impacting recreation and fishing at the reservoir. Water from Fresno is being used for its primary authorized project purpose to support irrigation, agricultural, and municipal water needs, which are being directly impacted from the St. Mary Canal drop structure repairs.

“While Fresno Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for recreation and fishing, the water stored at Fresno is needed to safeguard against the loss of irrigation water to Montana’s farmers and ranchers,” said Steve Davies, Montana Area Manager. “It’s also important to ensure families who depend on the Milk River Project have sustained access to potable water supplies, especially during these critical summer months.”

In May, an aging concrete drop structure in northern Montana gave way during a heavy storm. Construction crews arrived on site June 16 to begin repairs. Construction schedules, if not impacted by weather or COVID-19 setbacks, are expected to be completed sometime this fall.

The current reservoir projections indicate Fresno Reservoir levels will be approximately 25 feet below full pool by the end of August, and may continue to draft through the fall and possibly into next spring to support municipal water deliveries. This will have an impact on recreational water activities and fishing in the area. If repairs are completed by the end of September, Fresno Reservoir levels could be expected to increase this fall as St. Mary water could be moved to the basin. Reclamation anticipates full use of Fresno Reservoir for recreation purposes again next summer.

The Milk River Project is often referred to as the lifeline of the Montana Hi-Line. Without diverted waters from the Milk River to the area, many farmers and towns would never have been able to flourish here. It is the primary water source for eight irrigation districts, Tribes, contract pumpers, and several municipalities downstream of Fresno Dam serving approximately 110,000 acres of land, and 18,000 users. Major crops grown in the watershed include wheat, barley, rye, oats, alfalfa, and wild hay. The Milk River provides irrigation deliveries to 700 farms and contract holders for croplands that feed one million people annually.

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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.