BILLINGS, Mont. -- The Bureau of Reclamation's Willow Creek Dam near Augusta, Montana, is experiencing high inflows as a result of heavy rain in the greater Sun River Basin this past week. The current reservoir elevation is about 3 feet above the normal full level, and is spilling over the uncontrolled spillway. As the reservoir continues to rise, releases from the spillway will slowly increase to match inflows as more water is passed through the spillway. Maximum releases from the dam are currently projected at about 450 cubic feet-per-second late June 22 and early June 23.
Reclamation stresses that there are no concerns with the safety of Willow Creek Dam, and is working closely with local and county officials and the Greenfields Irrigation District, which operates and maintains the dam, to communicate the operations at Willow Creek Reservoir and impacts to the Sun River.
Local residents should be aware that operation of the uncontrolled spillway has resulted in the closure of Warden Road north of Augusta as it is directly downstream of the spillway flows. Recreationists wanting to camp at Willow Creek Reservoir should also be aware road across the dam is also closed due to the high reservoir and heavy equipment traffic. Please contact your local County Disaster and Emergency Services Office for additional updates related to road closures and impacts to area flooding.
For additional information or questions, please call 406-247-7300.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
