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Public Cautioned to Stay Out of Missouri River Riverbed Upstream from Rainbow Dam During Reservoir Drawdown for Safety
Date: Oct 7, 2026
TYPE: News
Great Falls, Mont. – Oct. 7, 2026 – NorthWestern Energy will begin drawing down Rainbow Reservoir upstream from Rainbow Dam on Oct. 11. The drawdown is expected to be completed by Oct. 18.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will perform maintenance at Giant Springs State Park that requires lower river levels. NorthWestern Energy will use the opportunity to conduct maintenance inspections on Rainbow Dam that require lower river levels.
Public Safety Reminder
The public is warned to stay out of the riverbed during the drawdown. Exposed areas may contain:
- • Deep mud
- • Unstable ground
- • Slippery rocks
- • Rapidly changing water conditions
- • Other unexpected hazards
These conditions pose serious risks to both people and pets.
Rainbow Dam Boat Launch will be closed from Oct. 11-18.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we complete this drawdown,” said NorthWestern Energy Manager Power Generation Jeremy Butcher “Staying out of the riverbed during this period is important for public safety.”
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NorthWestern Energy - Delivering a Bright Future
NorthWestern Energy, provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enrich lives and empower communities while serving as long-term partners to our customers and communities. We work to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors. We do this by providing low-cost and reliable service performed by highly-adaptable and skilled employees. We provide electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 850,300 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. Our operations in Montana and Yellowstone National Park are conducted through our subsidiary, NW Corp, and our operations in South Dakota and Nebraska are conducted through our subsidiary, NWE Public Service. We have provided service in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and in Montana since 2002.
Media Contacts:
Jo Dee Black
866-622-8081