Deep freeze grips Great Falls

When temperatures plummet to 30 below zero Fahrenheit, 100-proof liquor starts to freeze.

Ice builds up at Black Eagle dam on the Missouri River, two miles northeast of Great Falls, Mont.

Automobile exhaust freezes and falls back as snow on your car.

Water thrown into the air freezes instantly.

Frostbite is a constant concern.

When it gets that cold, the operators of the Cochrane, Ryan, Morony, Black Eagle and Rainbow dams on the Missouri River north of Great Falls turn their attention to monitoring ice conditions and constantly clear away ice in front of the dams to make sure the water channel remains open so the plants can continue to produce electricity.

"Chopping ice is now a daily activity," said Russ Dunn, manager of operations and maintenance at Great Falls. "This also reduces additional stress on the dam from the pressure ice can put on the structure."

As the ice builds it will reduce the flow into the facilities.

This will happen very suddenly and will lower the levels of the dams, which will affect the output of the generators," Dunn explained. "Communication with the PPL EnergyPlus traders in Butte is a must in situations like this."

During extreme weather, working conditions deteriorate and safety becomes even more important. Employees who work at the dams take extra care during their rounds to avoid ice on the decks and slippery floors.

Employees at PPL Montana's Black Eagle dam near Great Falls brave sub zero temperatures to clear ice from the channel to keep the water flowing.

"Snow removal is a routine activity for us," Dunn said. "Extra clothing and heaters are now items we have to consider in doing all of our activities. Protection from the wind and frostbite is also a must as we deal with this brutally cold weather.

"All of the crews here are maintaining a good attitude as we find safe ways to deal with the cold and keep the dams productive," he added.