The Milk River Project announced on Monday morning (June 17, 2024) that the St. Mary siphon on the St. Mary Canal, located north of the community of Babb, experienced a “catastrophic failure.”
According to reports, the incident occurred while U.S. Bureau of Reclamation personnel were monitoring a crack in the siphon.
The agency confirmed that fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the extent of the damage is significant.
Although the canal had been closed before the failure, the hillside and the nearby Hook’s Hide-Away bar, hotel, and roping arena have all been “significantly impacted” by the water.
The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council shared on Facebook: “The St. Mary Canal/Milk River in Babb is closed to all river activities. No floating, boating, rafting, swimming, etc. from Monday, June 17, 2024, to Monday, June 24, 2024. Road closure to Camp 9 Road (Hook’s Hideaway) – all roads are closed in these areas.”
‘Catastrophic failure’ of siphon at St. Mary Canal
Individuals are urged to avoid the area while authorities assess the damage.
The Bureau of Reclamation stated in a news release that the breach resulted in local flooding and erosion, with some areas experiencing washout depths of 30 to 50 feet.
At the time of the failure, diversions to the canal were at 600 cubic feet per second (cfs); although diversions have ceased, flows are expected to continue for 24 to 36 hours as the canal drains.
“Emergency response teams are on-site to contain and evaluate the damage,” said Ryan Newman, Reclamation’s Montana Area Office Manager. “Water flows were naturally redirected back to the St. Mary River to minimize the risk of further flooding in the surrounding area.”
The agency emphasized that the flooding has caused property damage near the breach, impacted infrastructure, and may pose safety hazards to the public.
Roads are closed, and utilities in the affected areas may be disrupted. Warning signs and caution tape have been deployed to restrict access to potentially dangerous zones.
From the Bureau of Reclamation website:
The St. Mary Diversion Dam and Canal were completed in 1915 as part of the Milk River Project (Project) in north-central Montana. The dam is located near Babb, MT and approximately 0.75 miles downstream from Lower St. Mary Lake. The existing dam consists of a 198-foot long and 6-foot-high concrete weir and sluiceway. It diverts water from the St. Mary River into the St. Mary Canal through the gated headworks structure for use by the Milk River Project.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
(UPDATE, 3 pm) Officials from the Milk River Project issued this update: “We were optimistic that the structures would hold, but at approximately 1:51 PM on June 17th, the St. Mary Siphon experienced a catastrophic failure at the inlet of both siphon tubes. The forceful water flow led to the rupture of the 100+ year-old siphons, washing away the concrete structures supporting the pipes beneath.”
Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester stated: “I’m closely monitoring the situation with the St. Mary Siphon failure and have urged federal authorities to address the issue promptly. As the full extent of the damage is assessed, I will remain in communication with local officials and advise the public to stay clear of the affected area.”
Montana U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke remarked: “I’m keeping a close eye on the St Mary’s siphon failure in Babb. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, but please adhere to the guidance of public safety officials and steer clear of the area. The St Mary’s serves as crucial infrastructure for delivering water across nearly the entire hi-line. My office is collaborating with state and federal agencies and prepared to offer assistance within my capability.”
Montana U.S. Representative Matt Rosendale mentioned: “I am monitoring the situation and have been in touch with the Milk River Irrigation Project Joint Board of Control; please reach out if you require assistance.”
Montana U.S. Senator Steve Daines commented: “I am monitoring the troubling siphon breach on the St. Mary Canal and have communicated with local irrigators and the Bureau of Reclamation. The damage is severe, and I stand ready to assist local authorities in any way necessary.”
MTN News