Milk River Project
The Lifeline of the Hi-Line
Ongoing Projects
Stay up-to-date as structures throughout the Milk River and St. Mary system move through the planning, design, and construction phases.
St. Mary Siphon Failure Updates
On June 17, 2024, the St. Mary Siphon failed, causing significant impacts to the Milk River Project. To stay informed click here.
Have questions about water rights or concerns about unauthorized use after the St. Mary Siphon failure?
What is the Milk River Project?
The Milk River Project is beyond remarkable. With over a century of successful operation, this engineering feat diverts water from the St. Mary River on the Blackfeet Reservation, flowing through northern Montana and Glacier National Park, and across southern Alberta, Canada. This project is a testament to the intricate canals, siphons, and diversions designed for a seamless flow of water. The Milk River Project is essential to fulfill Montana’s water demands, catering to eight irrigation districts, Reclamation pump contracts, private contracts, the Blackfeet and Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, and other living communities along the Milk River. The project has created numerous recreational opportunities for the surrounding inhabitants, contributing to the ecosystem’s prosperity and wildlife habitats. With such a prominent and successful project, the Milk River Project has proven to be a symbol of limitless possibilities.
Benefits to Montana’s Economy
How the Milk River Project has been providing to Northern Montana for over 100 years.
18,000
Residents provided drinking water
1,000,000
People fed annually
140,000
Acres of irrigated lands
700+
Farms
729
River miles of wildlife habitat and recreation
Yesterday, the Montana Water Resources Association (MWRA) traveled to Babb for their Summer Meeting and got an up-close look at the Milk River Project in action.
They toured the impressive progress at the St. Mary Diversion Dam and saw the final stages of work at the St. Mary Siphon. Things are a little muddy right now, and crews have been slowed down this week—but the work continues, and the visi ... See MoreSee Less
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
Truer words have never been spoken.
Thank you, Governor Greg Gianforte, for standing up for Montana’s water projects—especially the Milk River Project—and helping protect this vital resource for all of Montana. Your support is making a real difference for our farms, communities, wildlife, recreation, and the future of the Hi-Line.
#MilkRiverProject #MontanaWater #ThankYouGovernor #MontanaStro ... See MoreSee Less
In Montana, water isn't just a resource—it's a way of life. From agriculture to recreation, we're working to protect it.
www.facebook.com
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hey everyone! Looking for a unique way to explore the Milk River? Join the Missouri River Conservation Districts Council for a River Rendezvous tour from Dodson Dam to Vandalia!
A fun and educational tour with great company and beautiful views—don’t miss out!
#milkriverproject #RiverRendezvous #MontanaOutd ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Water will be starting again today!
Rain earlier this week caused some delays, but NW Construction has been working long hours to tackle the issues in the embankment. The leak turned out to be a series of smaller leaks caused by fractured sandstone outcropping beneath the canal—part of the original foundation it was built on. Water was flowing through the rock and reappearing on the downstream sid ... See MoreSee Less
22 CommentsComment on Facebook
Well folks, this isn’t the news we wanted to share. We experienced a minor slide on the downstream side of the St. Mary Canal Friday (7/11) afternoon, just past Spider Lake—likely compounded by increased traffic over a gravel vein while moving equipment to Halls Coulee. Crews caught it quickly and added material to stabilize it, but the slope continued to move. As a precaution, we’ve shut the syst ... See MoreSee Less
35 CommentsComment on Facebook
Tom happened to be on the road just as the Phillips 66 and Michels Utility crews were rolling in to begin work on relocating and directionally boring the oil pipeline that currently runs beneath the Halls Coulee siphons. This critical step clears the way for construction on the new siphon structures to begin. It’s all about teamwork and coordination to keep this project moving forward!
#milkriver ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.6 CommentsComment on Facebook