NorthWestern Energy will temporarily draw down the Missouri River upstream of Black Eagle Dam beginning July 31.

The drawdown will go through mid-September to allow construction crews to complete upgrades as part of the Black Eagle Dam spillway project.

Work will be on the upstream west-facing side of the dam and include installing new support structures and components of the spillway, which are designed to enhance the overall integrity of the dam, according to NorthWestern Energy.

River’s Edge Trail, North River Road to close July 13-14 for Black Eagle Dam work

The project will eliminate the need for hydro crews to manually remove ice buildup during winter conditions, improving operational efficiency and worker safety, according to the company.

During the project:

• the Missouri River will be closed to public use and access from downstream of Broadwater Bay to Black Eagle Dam, including the kayak launch and dock at West Bank Park.
• Broadwater Bay boat launch will remain open, as will the non-motorized take-out ramp at Oddfellows Park and the river upstream of Broadwater Bay.

Kevin Vining, Great Falls parks supervisor, said during the July 13 Park and Recreation Advisory Board meeting that the city will remove the docks at West Bank Park to prevent people from accessing the river in that area.

Gibson Park trail closed June 30 for sealcoating

During the park board meeting, Toby Hazelbaker, the city’s new Park and Rec director, said that the drawdown would impact city parks and golf courses since the city has an irrigation intake in that area.

He said staff was worried about losing the turf they’ve worked to cultivate this year.

Hazelbaker said they were considering options such as extending a pipe or asking NorthWestern Energy to reimburse the city for lost turf.

Vining said that Gibson and Elks Riverside parks and the Electric City Water Park use the same pump house next to the Central Avenue West bridge for irrigation.

Jo Dee Black, spokeswoman for NorthWestern Energy, told The Electric that their project engineer was working with Park and Rec on solutions for irrigation to city parks during the drawdown.

The public is warned to stay out of the riverbed during the drawdown. Exposed areas contain:

• deep mud
• unstable ground
• rapidly changing water conditions
• unexpected hazards

Work on the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project will continue during the river drawdown and temporary closures of the River’s Edge Trail near the dam north and south of the Missouri River will be required for the safety of the public and crews.