Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region

Linderman Dam Restoration Project

The Linderman Dam Restoration final environmental assessment was issued in June 2020. The project is located within Teton and Fremont counties near Newdale, Idaho. Linderman Dam was built in the late 1950s and was largely dismantled in 1972 for the construction of Teton Dam. After the 1976 failure of Teton Dam, the river resumed its previous course, and the footings of Linderman Dam were exposed.

The structural remnants of Linderman Dam comprise eroded concrete and exposed vertical pipes that protrude into the river flow. A horizontal concrete beam in the center of the dam extends across the river at water surface level during average base-flow conditions. This creates a hazard to recreators floating on the river.

Successful project completion will eliminate the safety hazards; improve passage for aquatic species, including native Yellowstone cutthroat trout; rehabilitate the river to a more natural and passable elevation profile; and maintain upstream pool elevation for irrigation demands.

Reclamation crews built a natural riffle downstream of the existing structure in the Teton River in 2021. The existing dam components that protrude above the inundated concrete dam crest will be removed once inspections of the newly constructed riffle are completed. Any repairs needed for the riffle will be done at that time. Phase two construction is anticipated to begin the first week in August 2023 and conclude before October 2023. Individuals recreating may experience minimal impacts during the construction window.

Documents
Floating the Teton River