The Milk River Project announced on Monday morning (June 17, 2024) that the St. Mary siphon on the St. Mary Canal 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 damage is extensive.
Although the canal had been shut down prior to the failure, the hillside and the nearby Hook’s Hide-Away bar, hotel, and roping arena have all been significantly affected by the water.
The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council issued a statement on Facebook declaring the closure of the St. Mary Canal/Milk River in Babb to all river activities for the week from June 17, 2024, to June 24, 2024, with road closures in the vicinity.
‘Catastrophic failure’ of siphon at St. Mary Canal
Individuals are advised to avoid the area as authorities assess the extent of the damage.
The Bureau of Reclamation disclosed in a news release that the breach resulted in local flooding and erosion, with some washout areas as deep as 30 to 50 feet.
At the time of the failure, diversions to the canal were at 600 cubic feet per second (cfs); diversions have been halted, but flows are expected to continue for up to 24 to 36 hours as the canal drains.
Emergency response teams are on site to contain and evaluate the damage, with water flows naturally redirected back to the St. Mary River to prevent additional flooding in the surrounding area.
The agency warned that the flooding has caused property damage, impacted infrastructure, and poses risks to public safety, leading to road closures and potential utility disruptions in the affected areas.
From the Bureau of Reclamation website:
The St. Mary Diversion Dam and Canal were completed in 1915 as part of the Milk River Project in north-central Montana, diverting water from the St. Mary River into the St. Mary Canal for the Milk River Project’s use.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
(UPDATE, 3 pm) Officials from the Milk River Project issued an update stating the extent of the damage caused by the catastrophic failure of the St. Mary Siphon.
Various U.S. political figures, including Senator Jon Tester, Representative Ryan Zinke, Representative Matt Rosendale, and Senator Steve Daines, have been monitoring the situation and urging caution and cooperation with local authorities.
MTN News
