Shane Etzwiler
Community Relations Manager
NorthWestern Energy
shane.etzwiler@northwestern.com
406-868-7508Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project
Missouri River Drawdown
NorthWestern Energy will temporarily draw down the Missouri River upstream of Black Eagle Dam from July 31 through mid-September to allow construction crews to complete critical upgrades as part of the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project.
Work will take place on the upstream west-facing side of the dam and include installing new support structures and components of the spillway.
River Access Impacts
For public safety 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.
Public Safety Reminder
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.
These hazards pose serious risks to both people and pets.
Enhanced integrity of the Black Eagle Dam
The project involves installing new support structures and components of the spillway. The upgrade will improve the integrity of the dam.
The spillway upgrade began in September 2024 and will be complete the end of this year.
Ice buildup removal will be eliminated
Ice buildup removal will be eliminated
The upgrade will eliminate the requirement to manually remove ice buildup, which is done during frigid temperatures by NorthWestern Energy hydro crews.
Caution: Board Barrier Temporarily Removed
Caution: Board Barrier Temporarily Removed
The boat barrier upstream of Black Eagle Dam is removed temporarily
A barge is located upstream of Black Eagle Dam to transport materials and equipment for project work.
River's Edge Trail closures
River's Edge Trail closures
A barge landing is located on the northside of the Missouri River, upstream from Black Eagle Dam. Vehicle access to the landing for supply and equipment deliveries crosses the River’s Edge Trail, west of the fenced entrance to the Black Eagle Island area.
The River’s Edge Trail at the vehicle access site may be closed at times for the safety of the public.
While intermittent, delayed use of the trail for up to an hour may occur without advance notice. In the event of intermittent delays, flaggers will be onsite to direct trail users to ensure the safety of the recreating public.
Metal plates are installed over the River’s Edge Trail at the vehicle access site to protect the trail.
When the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project is complete, the barge landing will be restored to the site’s original condition and the metal plates installed over the trail will be removed.
For more information on this project, contact:
Devin McCarthy
Project Engineer
NorthWestern Energy
devin.mccarthy@northwestern.com
406-497-3218