Montana Dam Gets FERC's Ho-Hum License Renewal Nod
Published Date: 9/21/2026
Notice
Summary
NorthWestern Energy wants a new license to keep running its Thompson Falls Hydroelectric Project in Montana, which uses federal land. The public can now share their thoughts, ask to join the process, or raise concerns by November 16, 2026. This step helps make sure the project stays safe for the environment and local communities while producing power.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Change to Reservoir Operating Band
NorthWestern proposes to operate the Thompson Falls reservoir within a 2.5-foot band between 2,396.5 feet and 2,394.0 feet, instead of the currently authorized 4-foot band. The company also proposes to continue maintaining a minimum downstream flow of 6,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) or inflow, if less.
Project Boundary and Park Enclosure Proposal
NorthWestern proposes to fully enclose Island Park, Wild Goose Landing Park, South Shore Dispersed Recreation Area, Power Park, Cherry Creek Boat Launch, and the historic Prospect Creek Powerhouse within the project boundary and to exclude certain federal and private lands, which would reduce the current project boundary by 465 acres. This is a formal change to what land is inside the project boundary.
Fish Passage and Water-Quality Measures
The project currently operates an upstream fish ladder from mid-March to mid-October (designed for flows up to 48,000 cfs and an operating flow of 83 cfs) and does not include downstream fish passage. NorthWestern proposes to continue the March–October upstream passage, refine operation of new radial gates to minimize total dissolved gas downstream, and develop and implement a reservoir drawdown management plan.
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