News Release Archive

Caution Advised Near Boise River Diversion Dam

Media Contact: Kelly Bridges, (208) 378-5101, 05/01/2014 10:19
Victoria Hoffman, vhoffman@usbr.gov

For Release: May 01, 2014

BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation is advising the public to avoid the basalt cliffs above the Boise River Diversion Dam due to a rock slide that occurred over the weekend. The impacted area is located on the south side of the Boise River, 7 miles southeast of Boise.

The rock slide carried rock, soil, and vegetation downhill, both upstream and downstream of the New York Canal headworks. There is no damage to the dam, powerplant, or the canal, and they are all functioning normally. Irrigation deliveries have not been affected.

"There may be more loose rock in the area, so we caution people to stay clear of the area," said Jerrold Gregg, Area Manager with the Snake River Area Office. "Signs have been posted warning the public of the possible danger."

Reclamation geologists are assessing the slide area to determine if any other immediate action is necessary for the safety of the public, the dam, and canal structures.

The rock slide did not affect the popular Black Cliffs rock climbing area on the north side of the Idaho State Highway 21.

The Boise Diversion Dam has been a landmark in the Treasure Valley since construction was completed in 1908 to divert water into the New York Canal for irrigation. The powerplant was added in 1912 to provide power to construct Arrowrock Dam. The Boise Project Board of Control, through a contract with Reclamation, operates and maintains the New York Canal and Boise River Diversion Dam.

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