County and state engineers discuss dam-tender levels and public safety plan; expected inspections and paperwork deadlines

Commissioners received updates on dam-tender lake-level settings, planned inspections and the county—s public-safety and emergency-action plans, and approved staff outreach to coordinating agencies.

The dam-tender report noted reservoir levels rising week to week; the board discussed the possibility of increasing outflow settings if warmer weather continued. A motion passed directing staff to contact relevant agencies and consider bumping release rates the following week if conditions warranted. That motion was seconded and approved without recorded dissent.

Separately, county staff and regional engineers discussed the county—s public safety plan and emergency action plan (EAP). Officials noted the EAP must be reviewed annually with the local emergency planning committee and that the public-safety plan should be reviewed on the 10-year cycle. County staff asked the Montana regional office for guidance about signage specifications and whether older guidance on sign dimensions still applies; the regional engineer said he would locate current FERC/regulatory guidance and email the commissioners.

Why it matters: The outflow settings and the EAP/PSP are operational items that affect downstream safety and county readiness in flood or dam incidents. Commissioners requested staff and the state regional office provide updated guidance and will schedule field inspections when snowpack and road conditions allow.

Ending: County staff and the regional engineer agreed to follow up with a written note about signage and to set inspection and site-visit dates when weather permits.