News Release Archive

Federal Officials Advise Caution across Palisades Dam to Calamity Campground

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Chris Ketchum, cketchum@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: May 08, 2009

Federal officials are urging drivers to exercise caution when driving across Palisades Dam to the Calamity Campground due to landslide activity on Bear Creek Road upstream of the dam. The dam is located on the South Fork of the Snake River about 55 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The Bureau of Reclamation and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest are monitoring landslide activity and have roadway caution signs in place warning motorists of the potential for danger. Flashing yellow caution lights will be visible to drivers heading over the top of Palisades Dam.

The landslide area is located about a quarter-mile upstream of the left abutment of Palisades Dam. Geologists for both agencies have been monitoring the slide zone and have confirmed movements in some locations. In the event that the roadway is not accessible to traffic, there is an alternative route across the Snake River about 15 miles downstream of Palisades Dam. However, this road may not be wide enough for vehicles pulling trailers or recreational vehicles to pass one another.

The active landslide area covers about 13 acres and stretches across about 1,000 lineal feet above Bear Creek Road which leads to the Calamity Boat Launch area and private property. Reclamation and the Forest Service will continue to monitor the situation and advise the public. The Bonneville County Sheriff's Office has also been informed of the potential for danger and the public warnings.

Reclamation has determined that no adverse impacts would occur to Palisades Dam should the landslide area fail.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.