Kicking Horse Dam Modification Project Addresses Safety Concerns

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are preparing for the Kicking Horse Dam Modification Project, a multi-year effort to improve the long-term safety and reliability of the dam and its associated irrigation infrastructure. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is participating in the safety studies for the Kicking Horse Dam, which is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation and is part of the BIA Flathead Indian Irrigation Project. Engineers specializing in dam safety recommended that the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Tribes expedite efforts to address identified risks, such as potential internal erosion through the foundation and outlet works.

The Kicking Horse Dam is a critical component of the irrigation system, and a dam failure could cause substantial economic, environmental, and social impacts. The modification project, which is anticipated to begin in early 2027 and finish in late 2029, aims to mitigate these risks and ensure the continued reliability of the water storage and movement system.