BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Contractor selected to complete the Nelson Dikes Safety of Dams Modifications, Johnson-Wilson Constructors, Inc., has mobilized to the Nelson Dikes construction area. Site preparatory work and the installation of dewatering wells has begun.
Reservoir drawdown operations began in late June and the reservoir is expected to be near an elevation of 2212.0 by the end of July. The reservoir will continue to be drawn down until the target elevation of 2205.0 feet is reached. This low reservoir restriction will remain in place until at least Oct. 15, 2016. Refilling the reservoir is expected to occur in the spring of 2017, and will depend upon available water supplies.
Temporary road closures around the dikes are not anticipated at this time. The North Nelson boat ramp will become unusable below reservoir elevation 2216.0 ft. All other boat ramps will remain open at Nelson Reservoir.
An Environmental Assessment (EA) for the modification has been finalized and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been signed. The public can access the final EA and FONSI on Reclamation's website at www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/nelson/.
For additional information or questions, please call 406-247-7300.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
