The recent heavy rains, and a breakdown temporarily stopped the critical rocking process of the Intake diversion dam by Lower Yellowstone Irrigation. By August 14,the river level over the dam was approximately 2.9 feet and rising due to both the rocking and the rain.
In 2012, the last year when rocking was permitted, 15,000 cubic yards of sandstone boulders were used to bring the height up to 2.5' above the dam. The 2012 rocking was extensive after the flooding of 2011. This year, the ice jams removed all the rock from the top of the dam. Approximately 750 cubic yards of rock have been placed so far, with another 200 planned after the water level drops down as added protection for the dam structure.
Rocking was not permitted in 2013 and water dropped below the full water right level. This year, rocking was delayed by negotiations with the Montana State Historical Preservation office. By August 6, water was at 1.7' above the dam with the gates 90% open. Once rocking began, the water level immediately started to rise and by August 8, the level was 2' above the dam.
Reader Comments(0)