Catastrophic Failure of Teton Dam in 1976

Dam Collapse and Inundation

On June 5, 1976, the Teton Dam in southeastern Idaho experienced a catastrophic failure, resulting in the release of 251,000 acre-feet of water into downstream areas. By noon that day, the dam had completely collapsed, causing widespread devastation.

A Multi-Purpose Project Gone Wrong

Construction of the Teton Dam commenced in 1972 with the intention of creating a multi-purpose project that would provide benefits such as irrigation, flood control, and hydropower generation. However, design flaws and construction issues led to the tragic collapse of the dam, raising concerns about dam safety and the need for thorough inspections and maintenance.