Milk River Project
The Lifeline of the Hi-Line
Ongoing Projects
Stay up-to-date as structures throughout the Milk River and St. Mary system move through the planning, design, and construction phases.
St. Mary Siphon Failure Updates
On June 17, 2024, the St. Mary Siphon failed, causing significant impacts to the Milk River Project. To stay informed click here.
MRJBOC invites the public to participate in the Draft Watershed-EIS Plan Scoping Meeting. Click here to learn more and get involved.
What is the Milk River Project?
The Milk River Project is beyond remarkable. With over a century of successful operation, this engineering feat diverts water from the St. Mary River on the Blackfeet Reservation, flowing through northern Montana and Glacier National Park, and across southern Alberta, Canada. This project is a testament to the intricate canals, siphons, and diversions designed for a seamless flow of water. The Milk River Project is essential to fulfill Montana’s water demands, catering to eight irrigation districts, Reclamation pump contracts, private contracts, the Blackfeet and Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and other living communities along the Milk River. The project has created numerous recreational opportunities for the surrounding inhabitants, contributing to the ecosystem’s prosperity and wildlife habitats. With such a prominent and successful project, the Milk River Project has proven to be a symbol of limitless possibilities.
Benefits to Montana’s Economy
How the Milk River Project has been providing to Northern Montana for over 100 years.
18,000
Residents provided drinking water
1,000,000
People fed annually
140,000
Acres of irrigated lands
700+
Farms
729
River miles of wildlife habitat and recreation
From Our Social Media
Milk River Project Partners
I made a quick stop at the St. Mary Diversion Dam this past week and grabbed a few overhead shots, but this one is definitely my favorite — out with the old and in with the new!
And look at that old diversion dam, still doing its job and sending water across to the Milk River Project for what has been a great irrigation year.
Just a reminder for everyone above Nelson Reservoir: all pump contracts and water deliveries need to be wrapped up this week. After September 5, any continued pumping will be taking water belonging to the Fort Belknap Indian Community and will be in violation of your Bureau of Reclamation pump contracts.
Please make sure you are finished up by the deadline. Thanks for helping us close out a great irrigation season! ...
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How about a little peek at the St. Mary Diversion Dam in Babb, MT, and the stellar crews out there putting in the work on this rainy summer day that has us feeling all the fall vibes! 🍂🌧️
NW Construction and their subcontractors continue to make steady progress on this major piece of the St. Mary system.
This sequence of photos shows the work underway to get the mud mat poured for the fish screens—another important step forward as this project continues to take shape! ...
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Montana weather sure keeps us on our toes, and up here on the St. Mary Project, it’s no different! This week we went from temperatures over 100 degrees and smoky skies to fresh snow in the mountains around St. Mary.
Only in Montana can you get a little summer and winter all in the same week!
📸 Photo credit: Thomas Gervais ...
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Crews are making incredible progress on the St. Mary Diversion Dam near Babb, Montana—where the St. Mary Canal begins. The project has now reached the 50% completion milestone, and the massive new structure is really starting to take shape! ...
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Fresno Reservoir, just outside of Havre, Montana, is one of the primary storage reservoirs for the Milk River Project. Its primary purpose is storing irrigation water for the communities, farms, and ranches that depend on it, but it also provides an incredible recreational resource for boating, fishing, camping, and making memories with family and friends.
After spending the past couple of years at very low levels, the reservoir has made an incredible comeback and is now just over 60% full—looking absolutely beautiful this Fourth of July.
Last night, the skies over Fresno put on an amazing show as the northern lights danced overhead. A special thank you to the Lewis family for sharing these stunning photos from their cabin!
Did you catch the northern lights last night? We’d love to see your photos—or any pictures of how you’re celebrating the Fourth of July and enjoying this beautiful state we call home.
Happy Independence Day, and Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🎆 ...
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