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Canyon Ferry Dam & Visitor CenterHelena MontanaListing Type: DamCity: Helena Montana Region: Southwest Montana 406-475-3921 http://www.usbr.gov/gp |  More Images |
Canyon Ferry Dam is a flood control reservoir located northeast of Helena on the Missouri River. Canyon Ferry Dam is located on the main stem of the Missouri River approximately 27 miles downstream from Townsend, Montana. The dam was constructed in a narrow constriction of the Missouri River Valley, where the Big Belt Mountains and the Spokane Hills merge, approximately 68 miles downstream from the confluence of the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers The project authority is the Flood Control Act, Public Law 534, 78th Congress, 2nd Session, approved 22 December 1944. The river has cut through the older Precambrian rocks forming a canyon well suited for a dam. The dam and powerplant are located at the upper end of the rock-walled canyon, about 1-1/2 miles downstream from the previously existing Canyon Ferry Dam and Powerplant built by the Montana Power Company. The old Canyon Ferry Dam was built in 1896 and formed a reservoir known as Lake Sewell. The old 7,500-kilowatt powerplant was completed in 1898. The old Canyon Ferry Dam and powerplant were dismantled prior to the completion of the new Canyon Ferry Dam and Powerplant with the remnants having been inundated and Lake Sewell becoming part of the new reservoir. Canyon Ferry Dam lies at the head of the reservoir created by Hauser Dam, located 15-1/2 miles downstream. The backwater of Hauser Lake, when full, raises the tailwater at Canyon Ferry Dam.
The Visitor Center features hands-on displays and excellent interpretive information on Canyon Ferry's watchable wildlife and a display on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. During migratory season volunteers at the Riverside State Park, located below the dam, set up spotting scopes so that visitors can get a birds-eye view of the magnificent raptors that frequent the area.
Directions: Canyon Ferry Dam & Visitor Center Canyon Ferry Reservoir is located approximately 20 miles east of Helena. Take Highway 12 south for 10 miles, turn to the east on Highway 287, approximately 8 miles to dam.
Canyon Ferry Dam & Visitor Center
Bureau of Reclamation, Helena, MT 59602
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