NLI: Northern Lights, Inc. > Carousel > Dam Safety: Know the Risks Before You Recreate Near Dams

Dam Safety: Know the Risks Before You Recreate Near Dams

Even around small dams, such as Lake Creek Hydroelectric Project, life-threatening hazards exist. Photos courtesy of NLI

Northern Lights, Inc. (NLI) owns and operates the Lake Creek Hydroelectric Project near Troy, Montana. While Lake Creek is relatively small compared to some dams in our region, it still poses hazards to anyone recreating too close to it.

As summer recreation gets underway and many people head to local rivers, streams, and lakes for boating, swimming, fishing, and other outdoor activities, NLI encourages everyone to understand the potential dangers associated with dams—not just at Lake Creek, but at all hydroelectric and water-control facilities.

Many accidents occur because people are unaware of the hazards or underestimate the risks. Whether due to a lack of knowledge, risky behavior, inadequate caution, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, dams can create dangerous conditions that can quickly become life-threatening.

Dam Safety Tips

  • Abide by all posted signs near dams.

    Stay clear of the dam structures upstream and downstream.

  • Obey all warning signs, signals, and posted restrictions.
  • Never cross safety buoys, booms, or barriers.
  • Do not enter fenced or restricted areas.
  • Always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, paddling, or recreating on the water.
  • Keep children and pets away from dam structures and waterways near dams.

Understand the Hazards

Dams can create powerful and unpredictable water conditions, including:

  • Swift and turbulent currents near intakes, spillways, outlets, and tailraces.
  • Strong underwater currents can pull swimmers, boaters, paddlers, and anglers into hazardous areas.
  • Sudden changes in water levels and river flows from dam operations.
  • Gates and control outlets that may open or close without warning, rapidly increasing water velocity, and depth.

Dangerous currents and underwater turbulence are often invisible from the surface, making seemingly calm water much more hazardous than it appears.

Some dams, particularly low-head dams, can create powerful recirculating currents sometimes referred to as “drowning machines.” These currents can trap swimmers, paddlers, and even boats, making escape extremely difficult.

Even experienced swimmers, boaters, paddlers, and anglers can be caught in dangerous currents and rapidly changing water conditions near dams.

Anglers: Be Aware of Changing Conditions

Fishing near rivers and streams can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but anglers should use extra caution around dams and hydroelectric facilities. Avoid fishing near spillways, tailraces, and other restricted areas where sudden changes in water flow can occur. Always be aware of your surroundings and have an exit route if water levels begin to rise.

Make Safety Your Top Priority

Dam structures upstream and downstream should be treated with caution.

The waterways throughout our region provide outstanding opportunities for recreation and enjoyment. Water and hydroelectric facilities play an important role in providing reliable energy to our communities, but they also require respect and caution.

By understanding the hazards around dams, following posted warnings, and maintaining a safe distance, everyone can help ensure their time on the water remains safe and enjoyable.

Stay safe. Stay alert. And enjoy the beautiful waters of our region responsibly.

Kristin MettkeNorthern Lights Engineering and Operations Manager Kristin Burge is an electrical engineer and has worked in the electric utility industry for most of her career.