Tribes reduce dam flows to keep Flathead Lake near full pool

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes received approval from the secretary of the Interior Department to reduce water releases from the Séliš Ksanka QÍispé Dam near Polson to keep Flathead Lake full during ongoing drought conditions in northwest Montana, according to the Montana Free Press. The flow reduction is intended to maintain lake levels within 12 inches of full pool through the end of July, however it is also expected to impact downstream fisheries and electricity production for the remainder of June.

Brian Lipscomb, CEO of Energy Keepers, Inc., said required instream flows will drop by 45 percent, from 12,700 to 7,000 cubic feet per second. Even with these adjustments, the lake is anticipated to be three feet below full pool by August 31. Council Chairman Michael Dolson said the tribe supported the decision to balance resource stewardship, economic interests and community needs.