State lawmakers dip into debate over Flathead Lake summer water level

The Montana Legislature is wading into an ongoing debate over Flathead Lake’s water level following the introduction of a new resolution by Kalispell Republican Sen. Matt Regier.

“The 69th Montana Legislature requests all decision-making bodies with an influence on the usability of Flathead Lake ensure that recreation needs be measured fairly compared to hydropower, fish and irrigation demands; and that Flathead Lake recreation needs be expressly reflected in the next iteration of the Columbia River Treaty and in the next round of the Columbia River System Operations planning,” reads Senate Joint Resolution 18. 

In his testimony before the Senate Natural Resources Committee on March 26, Regier argued that the low water level during the summer of 2023 caused significant harm to Flathead Valley residents and businesses.  

“It’s a lake I grew up water skiing on, and so many people did. To not be able to use it like that needs to be in the conversation with hydro and fish and everything," said Regier. 

Dam managers cited abnormal weather conditions as the primary reason for the low level; high spring temperatures caused an early snowmelt, reducing the availability of water during the summer months.  

Despite the low water level, the SKQ Dam continued some outflows from the lake to meet federal energy quotas and ensure healthy downstream conditions. While that decision drew sharp criticisms from many lakeshore residents, allegations of mismanagement were later dismissed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

Regier noted that the resolution does not actually change any laws or policies. If passed, a copy of the resolution would be sent to key stakeholders in the lake’s management as a show of the Legislature’s position. 

Regier said that he originally considered sponsoring legislation that would enact new state mandates, but he reconsidered his approach after learning how complex water management decisions are. 

Earlier this year, Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke reintroduced federal legislation mandating that the Interior Department maintain certain water levels on the lake. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at hsmalley@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4433.