Libby Dam Celebrates 50 Years: Public Invited to Commemoration Aug. 23

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Seattle District
Published Aug. 6, 2025
Photo of the winning logo designed and submitted by Adrian Volz, as part of the U.S. Army Cops of Engineers, Seattle District's Libby Dam 50th Commemoration logo contest. Volz's design incorporates concepts that reflect Libby Dam's authorized purposes of flood reduction, hydropower, recreation and environmental stewardship.

Photo of the winning logo designed and submitted by Adrian Volz, as part of the U.S. Army Cops of Engineers, Seattle District's Libby Dam 50th Commemoration logo contest. Volz's design incorporates concepts that reflect Libby Dam's authorized purposes of flood reduction, hydropower, recreation and environmental stewardship.

Photo of Libby Dam during its construction between 1966 and 1972. ns during its commemoration event. Aug. 23, 2025.

Photo of Libby Dam during its construction between 1966 and 1972. Employing over 2,000 workers at the peak of construction, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built three new schools, additions to existing schools and the Libby Airport. USACE Seattle District will commemorates Libby Dam's 50 years of operations during its commemoration event. Aug. 23, 2025.

Photo of Libby Dam located 17 miles north of Libby, Montana.

Photo of Libby Dam located 17 miles north of Libby, Montana. At 422 feet tall, Libby Dam holds back the waters of the Kootenai River, to form the 90-mile-long Lake Koocanusa reservoir, 42 miles of which are is in Canada. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, commemorates Libby Dam's 50 years of operations during its commemoration event. Aug. 23, 2025. The day's activities will include an Open House on top of Libby Dam, food trucks and stations in the Visitor Center parking lot.

Double rainbow over Libby Dam, in Libby, Montana.

A double rainbow over Libby Dam, located 17 miles north of Libby, Montana. At 422 feet tall, Libby Dam holds back the waters of the Kootenai River, to form the 90-mile-long Lake Koocanusa reservoir, 42 miles of which are is in Canada. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, commemorates Libby Dam's 50 years of operations during its commemoration event. Aug. 23, 2025. The day's activities will include an Open House on top of Libby Dam, food trucks and stations in the Visitor Center parking lot.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, wants to remind the public of the upcoming 50th commemoration of Libby Dam, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.

This milestone event will be held 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MT at the Libby Dam Visitor Center, located 17 miles north of Libby, Montana.

Completed in 1973 and formally dedicated on Aug. 24, 1975, Libby Dam has served as a cornerstone of flood risk management, hydropower generation, and recreation in the Kootenai River Basin for five decades.

Its construction, a significant undertaking under the Columbia River Treaty, brought about major infrastructure changes, including the relocation of the town of Rexford and extensive road and rail line adjustments.

"This 50th commemoration is a tribute to the vision, dedication, and hard work that brought Libby Dam to fruition," said USACE Seattle District Commander Col. Kathryn Sanborn. "We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and reflecting on the dam's enduring impact on our communities and the region."

The commemoration will feature a memorial unveiling, an Open House at the Visitor Center, and the rare opportunity for the public to walk across the top of the dam – an experience not regularly available since 9/11 due to security reasons. This unique access provides an unparalleled view of Lake Koocanusa and the surrounding landscape.

Members of the public, local community leaders and all those interested in the history and ongoing operations of Libby Dam are encouraged to attend. Come and learn more about how this vital project continues to contribute to the economic well-being and environmental stewardship of the region.

Event Details:

  • What: Libby Dam 50th Commemoration
  • When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. MT.
  • Where: Libby Dam Visitor Center, 260 Souse Gulch Road, Libby, MT 59923

For more information about the Commemoration activities, please visit the Libby Dam website at Libby Dam 50th Commemoration, follow us at https://www.facebook.com/LibbyDamMT/ or call the Libby Dam Visitor Center at 406-293-5577.

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Contact
Nicole L. Celestine
206-554-1894
nicole.l.celestine@usace.army.mil

Release no. 25-017