In late 2023, the Yellowtail Dam spillway received a new facelift thanks to our Members in Montana. Originally built in 1967, the spillway was in dire need of repairs to prevent the banks of Bighorn River from washing out. Union Carpenters removed and replaced the damaged concrete of the 35-foot spillway. The $5 million project took six months to complete and kept 15 WSRCC Carpenters working on an integral infrastructure project in the Big Sky Country.
Yellowtail Dam provides irrigation and vital power generation to the encompassing communities along Bighorn River and prevents flooding hazards. The dam also helps control the river’s water flow, giving the river ideal conditions for fishing and water sports. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area every year, where fishing and outdoor recreation are two main attractions.