Mother Nature just threw a massive curveball at the Milk River watershed, but the team at Lake Sherburne was already holding the bat. Following a heavy five-inch deluge, reservoir operators have cracked the gates to maximum capacity. It’s a fast-moving, impressive sight, but it’s completely under control.
Keeping a reservoir stable when it’s being pounded by historic inflows isn’t luck; it’s a round-the-clock game of precision math and constant vigilance. Right now, inflows and outflows are perfectly matched, keeping the lake right where we want it.
Here’s the latest from The Milk River Project:
High flows continue to be released from Lake Sherburne near Babb, Montana. With nearly 5 inches of precipitation falling across the watershed, inflows into the reservoir have increased significantly. Releases have been opened to their maximum capacity, and at this time reservoir operators are successfully keeping the lake below the spillway.
Crews have been on site around the clock, monitoring conditions and ensuring everything continues to operate safely and smoothly. While it is an impressive amount of water moving through the system, operators are currently able to match reservoir outflows with incoming inflows, helping maintain stable conditions.
A special thank you goes to Tom and Clayton for their dedication and countless hours monitoring conditions around the clock. Their vigilance, expertise, and commitment during this high-water event have been instrumental in keeping the system operating safely. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work and the long hours they continue to put in to protect the Milk River Project and the surrounding communities.
Photos via The Milk River Project
