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Authorities Searching for Man Who Fell from Polson Dam

Man fell into the Flathead River from the cliffy area above the dam

By Beacon Staff
Kerr Dam near Polson on Aug. 12, 2015. Greg Lindstrom | Flathead Beacon

Authorities are searching for a man who fell from the overlook area near the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Dam in Polson.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with the aid of search and rescue resources after receiving reports Wednesday morning of a man falling into the Flathead River from the cliffy area above the dam, formerly known as Kerr Dam, on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Polson.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the search was still underway.

Energy Keepers, the tribal organization in charge of managing the dam, temporarily lowered discharges from the facility to aid in the investigation and rescue efforts. After a two-hour reduction in flows, project operations were returned to normal. In addition, the overlook is currently closed and will remain so to accommodate emergency services.

Brian Lipscomb, CEO of Energy Keepers, said it appears the man crossed beyond the boundaries near the overlook before falling.

“We want to remind people to stay within the boundaries as posted,” Lipscomb said.

In a statement, Energy Keepers added, “Our thoughts are with the missing person and their family.”