Flooding in Idaho, June 1 to 30, 1997

During the month of June the spring melt of near record snowpack in Idaho's mountains caused extensive flooding along the Snake River and many of it's tributaries. The highest river flows in nearly 70 years were noted along the Middle Snake River, with numerous gages setting new record stages. The flood inundated lowlands along a 225 mile stretch of the river. Damage was extensive to irrigation canals, roads including interstate 15, levees, farmland and homes.Ten counties were declared local disaster areas. Estimates indicate that over 1,000 people were evacuated, and 250 to 300 homes were flooded. Over 50,000 acres were inundated and 26 irrigation canals were severely damaged. A major water supply pipeline to the city of Twin Falls was threatened during the high water as debris flowed into it. The Idaho Governor's office estimated 50 million dollars in damage was inflicted by the flood.Various stretches of the Snake River and Henrys Fork of the Snake remained at or above flood stage throughout the month. The Teton River fell below flood stage on the 14th of June. Smaller feeder streams such as the Big Lost River and Bigwood River also experienced minor flooding during this period.