Current News
Look for the Watershed Speakers Series to return June 2024!
Save the Date - 2024 Fundraising Gala
Our 2024 annual fundraising gala will be held on July 6th, 2024 in Ennis, Montana. Location and timing details will be provided as the event approaches.
2023 - MRF Projects Update
Your donations are hard at work in the Madison Valley! In addition to annually funding the USGS gauge at Varney and awarding scholarships in the spring, your contributions supported a Jack Creek enhancement project and a USGS Madison River hydrology survey. The Ruby Swale reconnect scheduled for this year has been postponed until further notice. Planning and implementation must be redesigned as partners in the valley, including FWP, NWE and others, have committed to broadening the scope and impact of this project.
The MRF board just approved a fisheries enhancement project on Jack Creek, a Madison River tributary. Currently fish productivity and quality angling are limited by low nutrient concentrations, overall lack of deep pool habitat, and generally unsuitable spawning habitat. This project will increase pool habitat complexity by installing habitat structures that can scour the bed channel. Installing these structures will help diversify the channel’s bedform and replace some of the pool habitat loss experienced in the last 25 years. Additional information regarding the scope of the project will be uploaded to our website soon.
The Watershed Hydrologic Survey is in partnership with USGS and FWP. This water monitoring project will span 56 miles of the Madison River with 46 points of data collection. Water and flow measurements will be taken at two different time periods in order to understand the inflow and outflow of water during peak cycles. There will be a detailed final report present afterwards.
2022/23 - Hebgen Dam Repair Update
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the federal licensing authority for NorthWestern Energy’s Missouri-Madison Hydroelectric Project, approved a September start date for the repair and upgrade work on the Hebgen Dam. NorthWestern Energy’s repair contractors are able to adapt to that date, so permanent repairs and upgrades to the release gate at Hebgen Dam will begin in mid-September. The project timeline was adjusted to minimize stress for the fish from the warm August water temperatures. Upon initiation the work is expected to be completed in about three weeks.
2022 - Watershed Speaker Series Presentation #3
Karin Boyd and Remy Georgeton spoke about their sediment mobility analysis which evaluated the potential to increase spawning habitat through flushing flows. They used 1-D and 2-D hydraulic models of the river to evaluate sediment and spawning habitats, and they came to four major conclusions: tributaries are critical to providing sediment, Hot Springs Creek should be managed to limit fine sediment in the Lower Madison, islands and side channels are critical to retaining spawning gravels, and long term gravel supply from the Quake Lake Slide area is likely to slow. View the presentation.
To hear our next Watershed Speaker, Ryan Kreiner, mark your calendar for 5pm on Tuesday, July 26th, at the Madison Valley Public Library!
June 28, 2022 - Flooding and Water Management Updates
Heavy rain and snowmelt increased the flows in at least five of the state’s rivers to record levels this month, causing flooding in Carbon, Park, and Stillwater counties. Infrastructure and homes were destroyed in Gardiner, Laurel, Livingston, Red Lodge, and Yellowstone National Park. The White House declared a state of major disaster in Montana in response to the flooding. Additional reports regarding the flooding are available.
If you wish to assist with relief and recovery efforts, long term restoration and recovery is being organized by several conservation partners in Montana. Immediate relief is also being organized by the Gallatin Watershed Council.
While water levels increased on the Madison in mid-June, the river did not cause damage to infrastructure or homes. Inflows to Hebgen Lake peaked on June 13th at 5400 cfs, creating the need for increased outflows. NorthWestern Energy (NWE) had boots on the ground monitoring tributaries and the Kirby gage as they increased water releases from the Hebgen Dam.
Following this increased flow management, the inflows have now decreased by more than 10% daily, and NWE has acquired approval from agencies to decrease flows by 30% daily on June 25-26. These reductions lead to conservation of water in Hebgen Reservoir to support recreation and to have water available to reduce stress to fish in the Madison River during the heat of the summer. Water levels and temperatures on the Madison can be monitored here.
Despite the flooding there are still efforts to mitigate drought conditions for the state. NWE has created a new taskforce, the Madison River Drought Management Stakeholder Engagement Team, comprised of business owners, ranchers, conservation groups, and agency partners. This team will hold discussions regarding stakeholder aspirations, questions, and needs. They will also discuss and consider NWE projects, objectives, timelines, rules, and processes as they relate to the Madison River Watershed and Dam operations.
Additionally, NWE has reported that repairs and upgrades to the release gate at the Hebgen Dam will be complete by mid-September. This is in response to a parts failure in November 2021. They will also be hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, July 12th from 7-9pm at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn Conference Center. The meeting will cover Hebgen Reservoir levels, fisheries updates, toxic algae, Madison River Basin stakeholder engagement, and the recreation projects sponsored by NWE and the River Fund.
Other water management news includes the upcoming commercial river use regulations, which has been undergoing review by the Madison River Work Group. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is accepting public comment until August 5, 2022 on the proposed Madison River Recreation Management rules. There will also be the opportunity to comment on the Madison River Commercial Use Cap. The proposed rule amendments will be posted on July 8th, to be followed by the commission meeting on August 25th.
2022 - Watershed Speaker Series Presentation #1
On May 31st the community attended the first speech in our Watershed Speaker Series. Jeff Laszlo, a fourth-generation owner of the Granger Ranches, spoke about his restoration of the headwaters of O’Dell Creek.
For more than 17 years, this project has restored over 14 miles of the O’Dell Creek channel. It has created 815 acres of wetlands, resulting in improvements to an important tributary to the Madison River. The project’s results have included fishery improvements and a re-establishment of wetland obligate species. View the presentation.
To hear our next watershed speaker, Karin Boyd, mark your calendar for 5pm on Tuesday, June 28th at the library. Virtual attendance will be sent out in advance as well. 2022 - NorthWestern Energy Community Meeting Recap
NWE Community Outreach
On April 26th employees from Northwestern Energy (NWE) hosted a community meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to provide updates on current projects and conditions along with information on repairs and plans for mitigation from the Hebgen Dam failure in November 2021.
With the drought conditions in Southwest Montana, it is NWE’s goal to conserve as much water as possible in Hebgen Lake. A 20-day modification of minimum flows was just completed in an effort to increase water levels in Hebgen Lake. They have proposed an additional temporary variance to the allowed rate-of-change for flow increases below Hebgen and Madison Dams. The variance would allow for increasing outflows from Hebgen Dam at 5% hourly and would eliminate the 100 cfs per hour (below 600 cfs) ramping rate in the Madison Bypass channel (below Madison Dam and above Madison Powerhouse).
The increased rates will allow NWE to react more quickly to changing conditions in the Madison and would also eliminate the need to increase flows below Madison Dam over four hours. NWE would make flow increases in a shorter period when thermal pulse flows are needed. The ability to quickly change flow increases will result in significant water savings with no expected impact from the change in operations. The current license requirements for flow reductions will be followed in order to prevent fish stranding in the Madison River.
NWE also shared their plan to initiate a Stakeholder Engagement initiative. This group would be led by a third-party facilitator and include diverse community representatives. The committee would collaborate in order to form an operating plan for drought management. NWE will be providing more details on this initiative in the near future.
In response to the Hebgen Dam failure, NWE has submitted proposed mitigation plans for approval from FERC. The Dam failure occurred due to stress corrosion cracking in a stem coupling, which is a component of the outlet gate configuration. The failure of this component resulted in the outlet gate falling downward and restricted flows. A new coupling is in place, and NWE is actively seeking materials which better withstand elements in Hebgen waters as a long-term solution. A permanent replacement cannot be installed until June or July when Hebgen reservoir elevation is high enough to convey Madison River flows through the spillway, not affecting necessary Spring water releases.
NWE also presented a summary of their follow-up with an advisory group, consisting of resource agency biologists, where impacts to the fishery from the gate failure event were evaluated, along with presenting proposed monitoring efforts and added mitigation measures. The detailed report and advisory group meeting notes NWE filed with FERC are available to the public and can be found by using the search function in the FERC elibrary. To access the report, first select the “Unique Identifier Type” and choose “Accession” from the drop-down options. Then enter accession number 20220323-5088 in the adjacent box. This document was submitted on 3-23-22. FERC will respond to their proposed plan by the end of May. Jon Hanson, NWE Fisheries Biologist, is available for further questions.
February 16, 2022 - MRF River Science Series presents local fish data with Mike Duncan
January 31, 2022 - MRF River Science awards presented at the Ennis Schools Science Fair
As we strive for a healthy Madison River ecosystem through charity, education, and science-based projects, it is truly exciting to have opportunities to collaborate with the children in the local area on these efforts. The MRF awarded three prizes to students in the Ennis School Science Fair on January 31, 2022, for the following areas relating to our mission: Water Resources, River/Riparian Ecology, and Fisheries.
Samantha Pittman received the Water Resources award for her project on water temperatures and trout health in local Madison tributaries. Collin Graden received the River/Riparian Ecology award for his project on macro-invertebrates in the Madison. John Hostetler received the Fisheries award for his project on seasonal variations in catch rates for brown and rainbow trout. Congratulations to our Madison River Valley budding scientists!
This was the 28th annual science fair in Ennis Schools. Grades K through 3 participate with classroom projects. Grades 4 through 8 participate in individual or team projects. There was a cadre of 40 judges, and a well-attended awards ceremony at its conclusion. We appreciate our member support and the opportunity to encourage those who are our future in conservation.
January 9, 2022 - MRF submission to FERC regarding Hebgen Dam Malfunction
To Our Members,
We would like to inform you that the Madison River Foundation, Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, and Montana Environmental Information Center have collectively filed a formal citizens Complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This Complaint has been filed against Northwestern Energy (NWE) for violations to its license with the recent Hebgen Dam failure.
Our organizations are requesting that FERC enforce requirements expressed in Project License 2188 Article 403, and order the requested relief, including specifically that NWE fund investigation(s) and allocate necessary resources towards ensuring violations cannot reoccur, and to address the impacts caused by its violations.
All three organizations will work together to monitor the aftermath of the Hebgen Dam failure. "We have committed to our members, to Montanans, and to the Madison River, that we will protect its vital flows and be responsible stewards in maintaining a healthy watershed," expressed Jon Malovich, our Executive Director. "This is just a single step in the right direction of many more to come to change the way we can all protect and manage the water that flows down the Madison River."
Additionally, the MRF has filed a separate Motion to Intervene with FERC in order to be granted “party status” with NWE proceedings. This would include the Foundation in receiving all notices, filings, and the option to participate at subsequent hearings regarding variance filings of Article 403 by NWE. We would like to work closely with key stakeholders to find positive solutions and support implementation of best practices as they relate to the management of the Madison River.
We will continue to keep MRF members informed as more information regarding NWE and FERC proceedings becomes available.
December 8, 2021 - Hebgen Dam Gate Malfunction Fixed
The Madison River Foundation would like to thank all of the recent volunteers from the community. Local guides, outfitters, and many other volunteer groups came together during a time of need for the Madison River. This network of people collaborating together facilitated the ability to better assess what ground to cover and where to focus efforts. As we continue to assess and monitor how this dewatering event affects the Madison River, we stand together with the people of the Madison Valley. We seek to monitor the health of our community alongside the health of the river throughout this process.
The Northwestern Energy (NWE) Hebgen Dam repairs are complete, and water flows have returned to levels previous to the malfunction. The Foundation is currently assessing how to assure that flows will be maintained at levels that will benefit the health of the river. We will be working to understand exactly what happened at the Hebgen Dam, why it happened, and what future steps will be implemented so that similar events can be prevented in the future.
The Foundation is committed to working alongside other concerned organizations and individuals to learn the short-term and long-term effects of the recent water release failure. We will be proactive in working with NWE and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) to find solutions which mitigate detrimental effects to fish and insect populations. We will continue to actively monitor current protocols, pursue improvement to existing safeguards, and help to develop more effective future processes. We seek to successfully prevent future failure occurrences at the Dam.
The Foundation is in support of Madison Gallatin Trout Unlimited and their recommendation to give the upper Madison River, from Hebgen to Ennis Lake, a rest for 60 days. For those who have other fishing options, this is a great time of year to explore other places to fish nearby. Typically, December through March have been historically lower river use months, with less commercial and noncommercial pressure. We will continue to monitor fishing information as it becomes available.
As members and advocates for the Madison River, you can play an active role in campaigning for more information and transparency through this event. You can express your concerns to NWE by completing their general inquiry form. You can also send your comments and concerns to the Region 3 FWP Commissioner, Pat Byorth, at CommissionerRegion3@mtfwp.org, and the Governor of Montana, Greg Gianforte, through an online contact form.
On behalf of the Madison River Foundation Board of Directors and Staff, we thank you for your support and involvement. We look forward to organizing volunteer opportunities in 2022. If you would like to volunteer for future projects and events, please email membership@madisonriverfoundation.org to be added to the volunteer communications list. If you would like to facilitate support by sending funding, donations can be directed to any of our dedicated funds, including the River Science Fund. These restricted funds are specifically for science-based river conservation projects: River Science, Education, Water Resources and Riparian Funds.
Many thanks again to those who responded quickly and were able to volunteer on the river with such short notice. We appreciate all of our members and the support we have received from you while navigating this event and its aftermath. We will work tirelessly in the weeks, months, and years to come to understand the impact of this event and how to best implement science-based relief efforts.
October 2021 - Bringing science to life
Jack Creek Preserve Foundation (JCPF) hosted the Ennis Schools 8th grade science class to participate in a fish sampling effort with Confluence Consulting in Jack Creek
SUBMITTED BY JCPF, executive director, ABI KING
A thoughtful donation, a motivated science teacher, patient biologists and 23 engaged eighth grade students all came together to study Jack Creek and bring science to life at the Jack Creek Preserve on a beautiful fall day.
A donation from co-founder and board member, Jon Fossel, made it possible to hire Confluence Consulting, Inc. (Confluence) to evaluate the riparian habitat on Jack Creek Preserve and provide recommendations for improvements. Their work has included a habitat assessment, and water quality and biological sampling on the upper 1-mile reach of Jack Creek and portions of two of its tributaries. Confluence biologists planned to conduct fish sampling on Tuesday, Oct. 5 and Ennis Schools science teacher, Anthony Gossack, expressed interest in his class participating in the effort.
"Science comes alive when we can get our hands dirty. Getting to help catch fish, hold fish, and count fish showed the 8th graders how science applies to real life situations! A huge thanks to Jack Creek Preserve Foundation and patient biologists for giving us this unique opportunity," said Gossack. Twenty-three 8th grade science students joined JCPF’s Executive Director, Abi King, at the Jack Creek trailhead at 9 a.m. During the 2.5-mile hike to the sampling location the group had a few discussions about Jack Creek Preserve Foundation’s mission, programs and why riparian habitat restoration is important. Mr. Gossack also assigned a scavenger hunt; having the students find different items along the way such as scat and wildlife tracks.
When the group reached the starting point for the sampling location, they joined Confluence Biologists, Mike Sanctuary and Caroline Neighbor; Madison River Foundation Executive Director, Jon Malovich; local fishing guide for the Tackle Shop, James ‘Jim Bob’ Terry; Madison Conservation District Conservation Intern, Raeya Gordon; and JCPF Property Manager, Jim Giglinto. The time and expertise provided by these volunteers was essential to the sampling effort. A backpack electro shocker was used to stun the fish to capture them throughout a 1,000 foot section of Jack Creek. This effort was completed twice to get as many fish present as possible. The fish were then transported in buckets to a live car downstream to temporarily hold them. Students watched the process and learned how the electro shocker works. To process the fish, students got some hands-on experience in fish identification, proper handling techniques, weighing and measuring the fish. Mike Sanctuary also addressed habitat needs for fish and pros and cons of the habitat that they were assessing. Before hiking back out, students enjoyed their packed lunches with Lone, Cedar, and Fan Mountains in the background.
King wrapped up the day, “For our mission of “Preserving wildlife and its habitat by educating youth about the importance of conservation”, we focus on various educational programs and sound management of the 4500 acres that make up the Preserve. It is extremely rewarding to have both efforts come together for this field trip and have the students be so engaged throughout the day. As a biologist in my previous career, I remember how impactful this type of experience is; we may have some future fisheries biologists in this group!”
We wanted to reach out to each of you and offer our appreciation and say thank you to everyone who purchased our 2021 RO Drift Boat Raffle tickets this summer in support of the Madison River and the Madison River Foundations River Projects! As per our live drawing via Facebook on the 6th of October , and in cooperation with Madison Valley Bank, the winning ticket drawn was #33 (Steven C. Close). The winner has been notified and is excited to get his boat ordered with the Amazing people over at RO Drift Boats.
We will keep everyone posted on the next Boat Raffle as soon as we have details for 2022.
Thank you for your generosity and participation in this year's Madison River Foundation Drift Boat Raffle fundraiser.
2021 Board of Directors Election - Results
Thank you to all of our members who participated by casting your votes for our recent election. We received a record number of ballots in response, and results of an overwhelming margin of 93%, all three of the candidates were elected.
We would like to officially welcome Mike Gentry, Rich Gockel and Rick Johnson to our Board of Directors, this will fill all of our 9 seats and gives us a complete board. They will officially take their respective seats at the upcoming membership meeting. We would also like to extend our thanks to those BOD members retiring from our board.
August 2021 Newsletter
Internal Developments
We’re over halfway through the year, and the New Madison River Foundation is proud of the progress we are making in building fresh partnerships. With a NEW, and innovative outlook and renewed spirit of cooperative work, we continue to rebuild within the river communities, advancing our ability to conserve the Madison River watershed together. MRF was exited to be able to work with USGS to update the gauges monitoring the Madison at Varney Bridge and not only the flow but also temperature is now live on their site. Thanks to the success of our recent Film Festival fund raiser, the MRF will continue to provide and fund this vital source of info for the many years to come.
With the Membership voting and passing the new bylaws this spring, the Foundation continues to evolve with new ideas, partnerships, and Board Members focused on our core values and mission. Recently Our BOD appointed to three open seats, Directors representing a diverse group of members, Pat Toalson of Ennis MT, Keith Brauneis of Ennis MT and Steve Urry of Cameron MT. Bios and info on each will be available on our website soon. We are excited for the ideas and perspective each will bring to the mission of the foundation. Please look for your upcoming Board of Directors voting ballots for the remaining seats later this month and cast your votes in order to continue to be an active part of the growth and success of the MRF. There are three open seats currently available. Those interested in running: Applications to be on the Board of Directors are due to the Executive Director, Jon Malovich, by August 21st. Learn more about applying and the upcoming election by visiting our website.
Events
We will have a booth and be working with the Chamber and the city of Ennis in their efforts to promote local businesses, and conservation in the community. We hope to see members of the Foundation at this years Ennis Fly Fishing and Outdoor Festival on September 2nd – 4th, at Peter T’s Park on Main St. Come by our booth to learn whats NEW and say hello! The event will have films, speakers, casting competitions, conservation organizations, vendors and more.
Fly Fishing and Outdoor Festival
Fundraising
It's summertime, and theres no better way to beat the heat and the smoke in the air than to watch the exploration of a new wild and beautiful place with clear water and beautiful fish in the comfort of an air conditioned theatre or your own home, all for the benefit of the Madison River.
The Foundation recently hosted viewings of the 2021 Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) in Ennis, West Yellowstone, and Bozeman. We successfully raised over $10,000 while bringing the community together for raffle prizes, entertainment, and continued funding for conservation of the Madison River watershed. The Foundation will be hosting an exclusive virtual viewing in the near future for all MRF members and their guests to help raise funds to finish up 2021 riparian projects.
*Expect details soon in a separate email.
River Updates
The Madison River Foundation is committed to working with other agencies and resource managers to monitor and maintain a healthy resource. Information and updates from Northwestern Energy and the Madison Thermal Decision Support System (DSS) are available to the public. http://www.madisondss.com/page/dashboard.php
We are working with resource managers in an effort to adjust how flows from Hebgen and Ennis lakes are maintained and regulated for the health and benefit of the resource based on FERC license regulations.
01. Executive Director’s Updates:
High temps prompt additional fishing restrictions on several Montana rivers
HELENA – Several angling restrictions on rivers in southwest, north-central and south-central Montana go into effect today due to warming temperatures and low flows.
The restrictions include what are commonly known as “hoot owl” restrictions, which means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. Some waters are under full fishing closures, which prohibit fishing at all times of day. These closures and restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve.
The following closure went into effect today:
A full fishing closure for portions of the Shields River from the confluence with Yellowstone River to USFS Crandal Creek Bridge.
These closures go into effect, Wednesday, July 21, at 12:01 a.m.:
A full fishing closure for portions of the Big Hole River from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site.
A full fishing closure for portions of the Gallatin River from the mouth to Hwy 84 Crossing.
A full fishing closure for the entire Jefferson River.
These restrictions go into effect, Wednesday, July 21, at 2 p.m.:
Hoot owl restrictions for the entire reach of the Madison River from the mouth to the boundary with Yellowstone National Park.
Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Beaverhead River from the mouth to State Highway 91 South.
Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Missouri River from Town of Cascade Boat Ramp to Holter Dam.
Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Stillwater River from the confluence with Yellowstone River to Absaroka Fishing Access Site.
Hoot owl restrictions for portions of the Yellowstone River Hwy 212 Bridge in Laurel to Yellowstone National Park boundary.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ drought policy provides for angling closures when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Warm and dry conditions are expected to continue during the coming weeks.
Angling restrictions are implemented based on several considerations: stream flow, water temperatures, angling pressure and other angling restrictions in the area that may divert use to waterways where circumstances are increasing stress on the fishery.
When conditions are stressful for fish, disease outbreaks and fish kills are to be expected. The public should report any unusual sightings of dead or diseased fish to their local FWP office.
Under normal conditions, fish can fight off infections. However, under the stress of high temperatures and low flows, they are more susceptible to these diseases.
Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur:
Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted.
Land the fish quickly.
Keep the fish in water as much as possible.
Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier.
Let the fish recover before releasing it.
Before you go fishing, please be aware of the conditions. Numerous other rivers in Montana are also under fishing restrictions. For a full list, visit FWP’s website: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.
If you’re looking for angling opportunities, many ponds, lakes and reservoirs in Montana provide good mid-summer angling options. For more information go online to fwp.mt.gov. Streams at higher elevations that don’t experience higher temperatures are another good option.
Jonathan Malovich - Executive Director
Jon can be reached at the offices of The Madison River Foundation in Ennis Montana as well as by phone or email:
jon@madisonriverfoundation.org
406-682-3148
02. Northwestern Energy
July 26, 2021
Dear Hebgen-Madison Recreationists,
NorthWestern Energy intends to revert back to an in-person informational meeting of the Hebgen-Madison Recreation Advisory Group in summer 2022. In the meantime, please find current information for 2021 in this letter regarding:
• Current recreation projects in the Hebgen area;
• Hebgen Reservoir and Madison River operations forecast;
• Hebgen area fisheries project updates and status;
• Hebgen toxic algae program update;
• Aquatic invasive species management update.
Recreation Projects
In 2021, River Fund grants and NorthWestern Energy matching funds provided nearly $182,000 in funding for projects that will enhance public recreation in the Hebgen-Madison Region. These projects include installation of a new vault toilet at Romsett Beach, purchase and installation of a new courtesy dock at the Rainbow Point boat launch, repairs and upgrades to the Hebgen Dam Day Use Site, replacement of the boat ramp at Warm Springs Access Site, and revegetation of an area at the confluence of the Jefferson and Madison rivers. These projects – sponsored by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks - will enhance public access to the waterway and associated recreation sites well into the future.
Operations Forecast
NorthWestern Energy did not have enough snowpack to provide a flushing flow this year. Like the majority of Montana, the Madison Basin was low on snowpack and received very little precipitation in April, May and June, which made filling Hebgen Lake to its full pool elevation (6534.87’) challenging and unattainable. Due to these conditions, the elevation of Hebgen Lake will be lower than normal this summer, especially with the unseasonably warm June temperatures, the hot and dry summer weather, and the need for pulse flows earlier in the year than normal. The elevation of Hebgen Reservoir dropped below the summer minimum elevation of 6530.26 feet on July 22 and will remain below this elevation through the end of the summer. NorthWestern received approval from resource agencies for this deviation from normal operations and notified FERC.
Weather in the Madison Basin is forecasted to be warmer and precipitation lower than normal going forward. Thermal pulse flows are being conducted to maintain adequate water temperatures to protect the
fishery in the lower Madison River. Hebgen Lake outflows are managed to balance Ennis Lake elevation as it fluctuates with daily pulse flows from Madison Dam, while keeping flows above 1,100 cfs below Madison Dam. All flows are being routed through the bypass channel between Madison Dam and the Madison power house to accommodate construction to replace all four generating units at the Madison plant. The area near the Madison dam and power house is open to the public, but the public should exercise caution while accessing the area during the ongoing construction. Construction activities are scheduled to complete early in the spring of 2022.
Fisheries from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) completed annual gill netting efforts on Hebgen Lake in 2021. Those efforts indicated that rainbow trout gill net catches fell just below the 20-year average. However, the average length of rainbow trout caught was almost 17”, which is greater than the long-term average. The number and average length of brown trout captured increased in 2021. The number of brown trout captured was above the 20-year average while the average length of brown trout was almost 18”. A summary of the creel data collected on Hebgen Reservoir will be completed this fall.
Native species conservation continues to be a priority in the Madison River valley. In an effort to reestablish Arctic grayling populations in the Madison River drainage, FWP increased egg production to over 100,000 grayling eggs in both Moore’s and Black Sands spring creeks in 2021. Those efforts will continue for several years to help bolster juvenile recruitment and hopefully lead to self-sustaining populations. FWP and its partners have begun formalizing a westslope cutthroat conservation strategy for the Madison watershed, which will help prioritize future conservation efforts. Completion of the Wall Creek barrier is expected later this summer and final planning and approval of reintroduction efforts in Tepee Creek are expected later this year.
Except for rainbow trout in the Varney Section, estimated abundances of brown and rainbow trout greater than 6” remained below the 20-year averages in the upper Madison River in 2020. In the Pine Butte Section, 2020 sampling yielded an estimate of 2,152 rainbow trout per mile, which was similar to 2019. However, brown trout declined in Pine Butte to 1,367 brown trout per mile, which represents a decrease of about 15% from the 2019 abundance. Primarily because of the highest abundance of age-1 fish observed in over 20 years, rainbow trout abundance (2,401 trout/mile) in the Varney Section nearly tripled from 2019 to 2020. Estimated abundance of brown trout in the Varney Section remained relatively stable for the fourth consecutive year at 1,339 fish/mile, which is 82% of the 20-year average for that reach. In the Norris Section, brown trout abundance decreased to a 20-year low of 459 fish/mile in 2021. Most concerning was the near lack of brown trout smaller than 11” captured in the Norris section in 2021. Rainbow trout abundance was 1,414 fish/mile, which was similar to 2018 but below the 20-year average for the Norris section. A hoot owl restriction on the Madison River below Ennis Dam went into effect June 25th and will remain in effect until August 15th or later.
Toxic Algae
In 2020, algae blooms were observed in Hebgen Lake in the Grayling Arm at Corey Springs and at Rainbow Point in mid-late August. Field testing and laboratory analysis showed that Anatoxin-a, an algal toxin, was present at both locations, but highest at Rainbow Point. The high levels of Anatoxin-a prompted the Gallatin County Health Department to close shoreline access to swimming and recreating at Rainbow Point on August 29th to protect public health. The area remained closed to recreation through September 16th, and the closure was lifted after follow-up sampling showed an absence of Anatoxin-a.
Algae blooms have already been reported in the Grayling Arm of the reservoir in July 2021, with preliminary field testing showing a detection of Anatoxin-a at Corey Springs on July 21st. Follow-up testing in this area is planned until the algae bloom subsides. Please use caution when recreating in the Grayling Arm of the reservoir and limit swimming for humans and pets while there is a visible algae bloom.
Weekly monitoring is continuing in 2021, in coordination with the Gallatin County Health Department, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, the US Forest Service, and Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks. If an algae bloom is observed, please visit the State of Montana’s Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) website at http://hab.mt.gov to report the bloom.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Watercraft inspection stations are conducting record numbers of inspections in 2021 with boaters eager to get on the water. As of July 20th, more than 65,000 boats have been inspected statewide with 41 found to be fouled by invasive mussels. All non-resident watercraft launching in Montana are required to purchase a vessel AIS Prevention Pass. Please Clean, Drain, and Dry your boats and equipment to protect Montana’s water resources. More information on Montana’s AIS program can be found at: http://cleandraindry.mt.gov/.
If you have questions related to any of these topics or other public recreation issues in the Hebgen-Madison area, please contact me. NorthWestern Energy appreciates your continued interest in and support of public recreation in the Hebgen-Madison area.
Regards,
____________________________
Andy Welch
Manager, Hydropower License Compliance
Andrew.Welch@NorthWestern.com
O 406-444-8115