Ashton, a privately owned dam located in Idaho along the Henrys Fork of the Snake River, serves multiple purposes including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and water supply.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1917, the earth dam stands at 65 feet high and has a normal storage capacity of 9800 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 1040 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 46100 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Ashton's spillway type is controlled with a width of 72 feet. The dam's hazard potential is rated as high, and its risk assessment is classified as very high. Despite its age, the condition assessment of Ashton is not available, and the last inspection was conducted in September 2020. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2020, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and risk management measures.
Overall, Ashton plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, providing essential services to the community while also posing potential risks that require ongoing monitoring and maintenance. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ashton represents a significant infrastructure that highlights the delicate balance between harnessing natural resources for human needs and ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1917 |
Dam Length |
252 |
Dam Height |
65 |
River Or Stream |
Henrys Fork, Snake River |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
404 |
Hydraulic Height |
55 |
Drainage Area |
1040 |
Nid Storage |
9900 |
Structural Height |
60 |
Outlet Gates |
Tainter (radial) - 6 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
65 |
Henrys Fork Nr Ashton Id
|
787cfs |
Falls River Nr Chester Id
|
417cfs |
Falls River Nr Ashton Id
|
362cfs |
Henrys Fork At St Anthony Id
|
1010cfs |
Teton River Nr St Anthony Id
|
373cfs |
Falls River Nr Squirrel Id
|
257cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Jolley Camper
|
||
Warm River Campground
|
||
Warm River
|
||
Grandview
|
||
Grand View Campground
|