Sponsors
The bill secures stable summer lake levels that benefit recreation and shoreline property owners, at the cost of reducing reservoir management flexibility—potentially harming downstream water users, emergency/flood/drought responses, and increasing federal implementation burdens.
Residents, businesses, and recreation users on and around Flathead Lake will have more predictable lake levels during June 15–September 15, supporting boating, tourism, and waterfront access.
Homeowners and small businesses with shoreline property and docks will face lower risk of sudden drawdowns or flooding during the summer because the lake will be maintained within a narrow elevation band.
Local communities, hospitals, and other water users in the basin may have reduced flexibility to respond to floods, droughts, or changing ecosystem needs because operating to a strict 1-foot summer band constrains reservoir management.
Utilities, energy companies, irrigators, and downstream businesses could see reduced water availability or constrained reservoir operations outside the summer window, potentially lowering hydropower generation and affecting irrigation supply.
Federal managers and employees at the Bureau of Reclamation and Interior may face higher administrative and operational burdens and costs to implement and monitor the mandated operating regime.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Interior Secretary to keep Flathead Lake between 2,892 and 2,893 ft msl each year from June 15–September 15 by supplying or releasing water from Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Introduced January 23, 2025 by Ryan Zinke · Last progress January 23, 2025
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to manage Flathead Lake so its surface elevation stays between 2,892 and 2,893 feet mean sea level during each year’s summer season (June 15–September 15). To meet the minimum elevation, the Secretary must provide water from Hungry Horse Reservoir; to keep the lake at or below the maximum elevation, the Secretary must release excess water downstream.