Flathead Lake: Difference between revisions

The Flathead River and the [[Swan River (Montana)|Swan River]] (known also as the Bigfork River where it enters the lake) are the lake's major [[tributary|tributaries]]. Numerous small streams flow into the lake, particularly on the wetter east shore.{{r|flbs}} The [[Kerr Dam|Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam]], built near [[Polson, Montana|Polson]], regulates the lake's water level, generates [[hydroelectric power]], and provides water for [[irrigation]] to support agriculture in the area. Minimum outflow levels are designated by the [[Federal Energy Regulatory Commission]] (FERC) and are based on flood risk management, power generation requirements, and biological needs to support aquatic life in river systems.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mepham |first=Andy |date=2023-07-13 |title=Dam operators: Beginning of pattern of ever-decreasing levels in Flathead River Basin |url=https://www.kpax.com/news/western-montana-news/dam-operators-beginning-of-pattern-of-ever-decreasing-levels-in-flathead-river-basin |access-date=2023-07-15 |work=KPAX News |language=en}}</ref> The lake is downstream of [[Hungry Horse Dam]] on the [[South Fork Flathead River]].<ref>{{Cite press release |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Reclamation’s operation of Hungry Horse Dam |url=https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/news-release/4576 |access-date=2023-07-19 |publisher=Bureau of Reclamation |language=en}}</ref> The Hungry Horse Dam is managed to provide beneficial flow conditions and to provide safe passage, to allowfor migrating juvenile fish to reach the [[Columbia River estuaryEstuary]] and the Pacific Ocean.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-10 |title=Federal Columbia River Power System Water Management |url=https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/endangered-species-conservation/federal-columbia-river-power-system-water-management |access-date=2023-07-19 |website=NOAA Fisheries |language=en}}</ref>