Heads Up as Missouri River Drawdown in Great Falls Begins Soon

The Missouri River that winds through Great Falls is going to look a little different in the coming weeks.  As work continues on the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project, the Great Falls Park and Recreation Department has announced closures for the popular area.

via GIPHY

The river will also be drawn down to allow workers to complete work on the dam project, and the department is warning of dangerous conditions that will exist while the work is finished up this fall.

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Heads Up as Missouri River Drawdown in Great Falls Begins Soon

The drawdown of the river will begin on July 31, 2026, and be conducted by Northwestern Energy.  The river level will remain below normal until at least mid-September when improvements are expected to be finished.

JD

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Avid river users of the Wadsworth Park may have already noticed the kayak and launch dock have already been removed as part of the preparation for the drawdown.  Great Falls Park and Recreation stated that "Broadwater Bay Boat Launch, the Oddfellows Park non-motorized take-out, and the river upstream of Broadwater Bay will remain open" during the project.

JD

Park Department Warns About Walking on Exposed River Areas in Great Falls

Along with the drawdown, the river will be closed from Broadwater Bay to the Black Eagle Dam for use by the public.  The department is asking residents to avoid the temptation to wander the exposed riverbed areas:

Your safety is our utmost priority. Please stay out of the exposed riverbed. Deep mud, unstable ground, rapidly changing water conditions, and hidden hazards make these areas unsafe for both people and pets.

The Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project has been an ongoing project through the City of Great Falls, the Great Falls Park and Recreation Department and Northwester Energy.  You can learn more about the project here.