GREAT FALLS — The US Bureau of Reclamation issued a news release on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, providing updates on the recent event that occurred on June 17, 2024. Both St. Mary River siphons experienced structural failures outside Babb, Montana, resulting in substantial water discharge and severe erosion in the surrounding areas. The breach impacted the hill and concrete footings holding the pipes, with water flows expected to continue throughout the day and subside in the afternoon as the canal drains.
Drone video: Failure of St. Mary Canal siphon
The damage primarily affects lands administered by the Blackfeet Tribe, causing road closures, disruptions to utilities, and significant impacts on agricultural water supply for the community. Although the Fresno and Nelson dams are almost full, the water supply is predicted to deplete over the next few weeks.
The incident mainly impacted residents and tribal lands, causing disruptions to Hooks Hideaway and necessitating livestock relocation. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and the Bureau of Reclamation and Emergency Services are actively working on response efforts. Plans are in place to restore access to flooded areas and assess short-term and long-term rebuild options once the flooding subsides.
Ryan Newman, Reclamation’s Montana Area Office Manager, emphasized the commitment to supporting the affected community and restoring water availability. Replacement plans for the St. Mary siphon, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are in progress and currently at a 60% design stage.
The St. Mary siphon is critical to the Milk River Project, consisting of two 90-inch riveted steel barrels that transport water across the valley. Extensive repairs have been made in the past due to seepage, corrosion, and buckling, with a cathodic protection system installed in the 1950s to address these issues. However, unstable valley sidewalls have caused further damage to the siphon, requiring ongoing maintenance.
