Bureau of Reclamation orders precautionary measures at Minidoka Dam site

A canal gate at Minidoka Dam’s Southside Canal has been closed after a routine inspection found one of the gate’s arms showed signs of buckling. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation said the closure was a precautionary measure and that there was no risk to public safety.

The gate is one of two that feeds irrigation water into the Southside Canal from Lake Walcott, 12 miles northeast of Rupert.

The cause of the damage is under investigation and being monitored around the clock. Technical experts were expected to be at the site Wednesday afternoon to evaluate damage and begin formulating repair plans.

BOR Snake River Area Manager Roland Springer said Minidoka Dam is operating properly. Reclamation has placed bulkheads on the site to isolate the damaged gate until repairs are completed.

Local emergency managers and Burley Irrigation District managers met with bureau staff at the site. They said the situation is not expected to affect irrigation water delivery this spring.