River Conditions Update – August 14th 2025

Favorable weather for uninterrupted construction of the St Mary Siphon Replacement Project has enabled the completion of the project and the current diversion from the St Mary to the Milk River since July 1st 2025. A canal seepage issue was resolved with a temporary interruption of diversion flow in July. To allow for additional construction at the Halls Coulee Siphon plans were to bring the diversion offline for the season on August 15th 2025. With additional preconstruction work required at Halls Coulee, the diversion will continue to operate for at least one additional week. The Alberta portion of the Milk River will continue to see augmented flow until at least August 22nd 2025, with a rapid flow ramping down in the days following.

Montana BOR is maintaining the diversion at or near 550 cfs which with additional natural flow is holding near 14-15m3/s east of Milk River Alberta. All Irrigation remains off for the balance of the diversion season both in Alberta and Montana.

Recreational activities – conditions can change quickly depending on rain events, the Milk River is not recommended for paddling when flows are lower than approximately 12m3/s, as additional hazards are exposed and navigation is often hazardous. Access is limited and safety will be compromised. There are shorter reaches available in some locations that are enjoyable for tubing even with only natural flow including near and Within Writing on Stone Provincial Park. Signage is located at all public access points. Always check conditions prior to making your trip arrangements and understand your limitations and plan for a safe and enjoyable paddle.