SEELEY LAKE – Owl Creek Dam, at the outlet of Placid Lake, began eroding and piping water underneath the concrete this week, causing slightly lowered lake levels and some impacts to recreationists. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is working with the dam owner to coordinate next steps on repairs that could begin as early as this week.
The public boat docks located at Placid Lake State Park have been impacted by lower lake levels, and FWP will remove the six-slip boat dock on July 29. The launch dock will remain in place for now, and the boat ramp is open. Boaters should use extra caution when launching and plan to load their boats daily instead of leaving them in the remaining docks.
The dam also helps to create a barrier between non-native fish species, such as northern pike and smallmouth bass, that exist in some areas downstream of Placid Lake but have not been detected in significant numbers in the lake. FWP is considering putting in a temporary fish barrier until dam repairs are complete.
FWP will continue to work with the dam owner to assess the situation for fisheries management and to monitor any additional adjustments that could be needed at the public boat launch.