Teton Dam Collapse: A 40-Year Anniversary
A Catastrophic Failure
On June 5 1976 the Teton Dam in southeastern Idaho catastrophically failed. The dam was intended to provide flood control power generation recreation and supplemental irrigation water for the eastern Snake River Plain. The failure of the dam sent a wall of water downstream flooding the town of Sugar City and causing widespread damage to the surrounding area.
The Construction and Failure of the Teton Dam
The Teton Dam was built by the Bureau of Reclamation and was completed in 1976. The dam was a zoned earthfill dam with a central core of compacted clay. It was 305 feet (93 m) high and 3,400 feet (1,000 m) long. The Teton Dam failed on June 5 1976 after a series of heavy rainstorms. The rising water in the reservoir caused the dam to erode and eventually collapse. The collapse of the dam released 300,000 acre-feet of water into the Snake River. The floodwaters inundated the town of Sugar City and caused widespread damage to the surrounding area.
The Aftermath of the Teton Dam Failure
The failure of the Teton Dam was a major disaster. Eleven people were killed and more than 10,000 people were evacuated from their homes. The floodwaters caused an estimated $400 million in damage. The Teton Dam failure led to a number of changes in the way that dams are designed and constructed. The Bureau of Reclamation adopted new design standards for dams and dams are now more closely monitored for safety.
The Teton Dam Today
The Teton Dam site is now a National Historic Landmark. The dam is a popular tourist destination and it is also used for recreation. The failure of the Teton Dam is a reminder of the importance of dam safety and careful planning.
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