Flathead Lake Levels

Although this plan is not directly related to the dam operation, it is important to remember that drought concern is statewide.

Montana Drought Management

BIA Flathead Lake FINAL EIS (Drought Management Planning)

The Project License that guides EKI’s operation of the SKQ Dam requires a Drought Management Plan (DMP). In an attempt to satisfy that requirement, in 2002, PPL Montana (the operator at the time) proposed a DMP. The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducted an Environmental Impact Study (EIS). None of the actions proposed in the EIS were adopted. While the information is dated, the document is an example of the study needed and the process necessary to someday have a DMP.

With climate change and changes in water management that affect summer lake levels, Many Flathead Lake shoreline property owners are considering new modifications to their lake access structures.  Permits are required before beginning construction.  While contractors often apply and secure the required permits, the property owner is ultimately responsible if work is done without a permit.

If your property is within the Flathead Indian Reservation boundary, you need a Shoreline Protection Permit from CSKT (https://www.csktnrd.org/ep/shoreline-protection) for any work planned lakeward from the full pool shoreline along with a Lakeshore Protection Permit from Lake County for any work planned within 20 feet of the full pool shoreline on land.  Additionally, if your project involves any dredging or filling lakeward from the full pool shoreline you need a 404 permit from the United States Army Corp of Engineers and may need a floodplain permit from Lake County.

If your property is in Lake County, but outside of the Flathead Indian Reservation boundary, you need a Lakeshore Protection Permit from Lake County for work planned lakeward from the full pool shoreline and for any work planned within 20 feet of the full pool shoreline on land.  Additionally, if your project involves any dredging or filling lakeward from the full pool shoreline you need a 404 permit from the United States Army Corp of Engineers and may need a floodplain permit from Lake County.

If your property is in Flathead County, you need a Lakeshore Protection Permit from Flathead County for work planned lakeward from the full pool shoreline and for any work planned within 20 feet of the full pool shoreline on land.  Additionally, if your project involves any dredging or filling lakeward from the full pool shoreline you need a 404 permit from the United States Army Corp of Engineers and may need a floodplain permit from Flathead County.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Shoreline Protection Office:

301 Main St. | Polson, MT | 59860 | 406-883-2888 x7212

Email Nicole Pablo ( nicole.pablo@cskt.org ) for an application.

Lake County Planning and Zoning Department:

106 4th Avenue E | Courthouse Room 315 | Polson, MT | 59860 | 406-883-7235 | Website