People by the Great Falls of the Missouri River have likely noticed the lower water level, and the smell that comes with it. It’s part of the work to improve the dam, and good news: that work is almost done.
For two years, crews have worked on repairing and improving the historic Black Eagle Dam. The dam provides more than 20 megawatts to the energy grid and is owned and operated by Northwestern Energy.
The Black Eagle Dam Spillway project is budgeted at around $14 million and included installing new support structures and components of the spillway.
“The purpose of the project is to strengthen the long-term integrity of Black Eagle Dam as it approaches its 100th year of service,” said Jo Dee Black, Public Relations Specialist at NorthWestern Energy.
The summer heat has amplified the smell of the Missouri River in the area.
For worker safety, the water level needed to be dropped. That also exposed large sections of mud and silt in the area that are normally underwater.
“The exposed riverbed can also present significant safety risks to people and pets, making it important to stay out of the area,” noted Black.
Warning signs are posted along the River’s Edge Trail urging caution. Crews have also been using the trail to gain access to the work sites at the dam.
People using the trail system Nonstop Local spoke with said they understand the need for the work, but will certainly be happy to see the Missouri River and its Great Falls return to normal.
NorthWestern Energy says the work is expected to be completed in the next month, by mid-September, and then water levels will be returning to normal.