Upper Madison River Hebgen Damn Malfunction

[Redside]

Sounds like there is a major issue with Hebgen damn on the upper Madison that has severely reduced flows. Couple links below.

FWP closes upper Madison River after Hebgen Dam malfunction causes flows to drop dramatically overnight

A malfunction at Hebgen Dam caused flows in the upper Madison River to drop suddenly and dramatically in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, leaving parts of the river dry

www.bozemandailychronicle.com

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[Doublecluck]

Just saw this

 

[MTLabrador]

Wow. And I thought the low flows this summer were going to have a big impact on the Madison.

 

[Irrelevant]

Wow. And I thought the low flows this summer were going to have a big impact on the Madison.

as long as there even a bit of flow for oxygenation it shouldn't be nearly as detrimental as the high temps induced by low summer flows.

 

[Stone_Ice_1]

The current fish should be fine, even with those lower flows as there is oxygen and a current, although some could be stuck in some side pools. I think the biggest concern is the fish fry that are on redds that were most likely already in shallow water anyway.

I saw where I believe Trout Unlimited is organizing a group to walk down the river with nets to net some of the stranded fish.

 

[cedahm]

Interesting article from ME on this. Sounds like a cascade of failures/lack of backup/warning systems.

Montana’s Madison River Nearly Runs Dry During Dam Failure

Only small pools remained as if abandoned by a receding tide. The thin sheen of ice crackled as my fingers plunged into what once was a trough formed by hydraulic downwelling in front of a boulder. The substrate writhed with life. Cupped hands emerged brimming with mottled sculpins, salmonfly...

www.themeateater.com

 

[Elkoholic]

I read an article yesterday normal flow was restored about midnight Wed. night, now its understanding what the lasting impacts are.