Powell Dam Rehabilitation
Client
Montana Department of Corrections
Location
Powell County, Montana
Industry
Primary Service
Secondary Services
Dam Rehabilitation, LiDAR Drone Survey, Dam Breach Modeling, Geotechnical Analysis
Project Description
Powell Dam, an embankment dam located on the Montana Correctional Enterprises (MCE) Ranch, is classified as a high-hazard structure with a normal storage volume of 200 acre-feet. Due to its steep embankment slopes, high uncontrolled seepage rates, and past stability concerns, rehabilitation was necessary to ensure long-term safety and functionality.
AESI conducted detailed five-year engineering inspections of Powell Dam in 2014 and 2019, identifying key deficiencies that informed the rehabilitation design. Our team also assisted MCE in securing funding by preparing applications for DNRC Renewable Resources grants and FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) grants. The project required close collaboration with MCE, DNRC, and Montana Disaster & Emergency Services to navigate regulatory requirements and funding processes.
Key project tasks included a site visit, topographic survey, dam breach and inundation modeling, spillway capacity analysis, slope stability assessments, and embankment rehabilitation design. AESI compiled these findings into a comprehensive design report, outlining solutions to enhance the dam’s structural integrity and mitigate potential risks.
Challenges
The project was phased to align with funding availability, requiring careful planning to match grant cycles and budget constraints. Additionally, to meet cost-share requirements and reduce overall construction expenses, select construction tasks were assigned to MCE Ranch’s Job Corps labor program, necessitating coordination between engineers, contractors, and workforce trainees.
Solutions and Results
AESI’s efforts have successfully secured two DNRC grants and one FEMA HHPD grant, with an additional construction-phase HHPD grant pending award. The rehabilitation design is now complete, and construction will commence once full funding is secured. By strategically phasing the project and leveraging available resources, AESI helped ensure a cost-effective and well-planned path toward improving Powell Dam’s safety and reliability.
