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. 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.