Before Mother Nature opened the floodgates, local photographer Colynn managed to sneak up to the St. Mary Diversion Dam near Babb, according to a recent update by The Milk River Project. The mission was simple: snap some progress shots before the weather rolled in, and the results show that the hustle is very real.
The project is moving forward at a serious clip. Every week brings noticeable changes as construction crews push hard toward the finish line.
For the avid gauge-watchers tracking the data, a few shifts have likely stood out recently. Here is how the team is managing the latest storm cycle:
- Tapping the Brakes on the Canal: Flows in the St. Mary Canal were recently dialed back. With the region receiving significant rainfall, this proactive step keeps unnecessary stress off the canal banks and infrastructure.
- Sherburne Reservoir is Filling Fast: Meanwhile, runoff into Sherburne Reservoir continues to climb. Between late-season snowmelt and recent downpours, water is rushing in faster than it can be stored. To maintain safe operations and protect the project facilities, operators have increased releases.
The Bottom Line: It is a high-stakes balancing act. Reclamation operators are monitoring conditions around the clock, adjusting on the fly to balance water deliveries, reservoir storage, and—above all—overall system safety.
While the region embraces the much-needed precipitation, the project team extended its gratitude to everyone following the journey. Crews are actively rebuilding and modernizing a critical piece of the Milk River Project, bringing it one step closer to a more resilient future.
