Lower Salmon Falls Dam, Hydroelectric power station on Snake River, Idaho
The Lower Salmon Falls Dam is a gravity dam that spans across the Snake River and contains multiple turbine units for power generation. The structure holds back water to create a reservoir while allowing controlled release downstream for irrigation and other needs.
The dam was constructed in 1910 and underwent major reconstruction in 1949 following its acquisition by Idaho Power in 1916. This renovation extended its useful life and allowed it to continue serving the region's power needs.
The dam became instrumental in the region's industrial development as communities relied on its power output to grow and develop. Today it stands as a landmark showing how water engineering shaped the landscape and economy of southern Idaho.
The facility operates as an active power plant and public access to the interior is restricted for safety reasons. The best views come from accessible areas along the surrounding roads and the Snake River banks.
The dam includes a fish ladder that allows salmon and other fish species to navigate around the structure during their migration. This feature represents an effort to balance power generation with protection of river ecosystems.
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