It looks like full pool on Flathead Lake will be a challenge this summer — for the second time in three years.
The fact is, the water in the Flathead River drainage isn’t just for our use; it is desperately needed downstream. To handle that, our two regional dams act like a spigot and drain for Flathead Lake. The Hungry Horse dam is the spigot and the Salis Kasanka Qlispe Dam (pictured), near Polson, is the drain.
This year, with the water levels low, the operators of the Salis Kasanka Qlispe Dam are reducing their outflows by 45% to keep as much water in Flathead Lake as possible. That’ll keep the lake within a foot of full pool for 46 days, and then within 18 inches for 62 days.
Even with the adjustments, Flathead Lake is projected to fall to 3 feet below full by the end of August.
The river’s water level is controlled by the Interior Department.
