GREAT FALLS - Beginning on Friday July 31, a portion of the Missouri River in Great Falls will be closed to public use and access from downstream of Broadwater Bay Boat Ramp to Black Eagle Dam, including the kayak launch and dock at West Bank Park.
NorthWestern Energy will temporarily draw down the Missouri River upstream of Black Eagle Dam to allow construction crews to complete critical upgrades as part of the Black Eagle Dam Spillway Project. Work will take place on the upstream west-facing side of the dam and include installing new support structures and components of the spillway.
The closure applies to all motorized and non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, rafts and paddleboards, and all public use.
Broadwater Bay boat launch will remain open, as will the non-motorized take-out ramp at Oddfellows Park and the river upstream of Broadwater Bay.
The closure will remain in effect until the project is completed and it is determined that the affected section of the Missouri River is safe for public use.