Drought Management on the
Big Hole River
Drought and recurring low stream flow was the driving force for the creation of the BHWC in 1995. After serious droughts in 1988 and 1994, the local communities realized that something had to be done to minimize the occurrence and impacts of low stream flow.
In 1997, the members of the BHWC finalized the Drought Management Plan (DMP). This plan divides the river into four distinct reaches for managing low flow. Each reach has flow level requirements that govern recreation use and triggers voluntary irrigation limits.
The DMP has been used successfully on the upper river many times and on one occasion on the lower river. The DMP has helped to maintain higher flow during drought years - unlike the experiences in 1988 and 1994.
The members of the BHWC continues to refine the DMP each year with input from the ranching community, outfitters, conservationists, as well as scientists.