Motorized access open to ice on Fort Peck Reservoir

With ice finally covering the  Fort Peck Reservoir and the Dredge Cuts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to remind recreationists that motorized vehicles are only permitted on developed ice access routes, such as: public or numbered roads, boat ramps or other designated routes within USACE Recreation Areas. All other off-road vehicle operations are prohibited on USACE lands. This prohibition includes driving along the shoreline between the frozen lake and the high-water mark except for the purpose of navigating around an ice pressure ridge or open water by the shortest route, not to exceed 1/8 mile. Motorized vehicles operated on USACE roads and designated access routes must be properly licensed or registered, including snowmobiles and ATV/UTVs or side-by-sides.

In addition to recreation area boat ramps, the following routes are designated open for vehicle access to the ice on Fort Peck: Road #2002 behind the Shaft Buildings; First Dredge Cuts access road across Highway 117 from (west of) Roundhouse Point; and Second Dredge north parking lot immediately south of the vault toilet; Duck Creek Road #1901 to the point. In the Pines area, vehicles can access the ice at the end of Pines Recreation Area Road #1300. Gates are also open and the route designated through the old Pines Youth Camp to Fifth Coulee Bay allowing motorized ice access.

Once on the ice, recreationists may travel at their discretion; however, the US Army Corps of Engineers does not encourage or recommend driving on the ice at any time. Thin ice or open water may exist near springs and pressure ridges. Conditions change across the frozen lake daily and throughout the winter.

For more information, call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Peck Project Natural Resources staff at (406) 526-3411.