Officials mark 50 years since Teton Dam disaster at new overlook

NEWDALE, Idaho (KIFI) — Federal and state officials are gathering at the Teton Dam Overlook today to mark 50 years since the collapse of the Teton Dam.

The Bureau of Reclamation hosted the invitation-only commemoration event on June 5, the anniversary of the disaster that sent billions of gallons of water rushing through the Upper Snake River Valley in 1976.

The event will feature a ribbon-cutting for a new overlook and interpretive panels detailing the history of the Teton Dam and its lasting impact on eastern Idaho.

The new overlook features information about the construction, failure and aftermath of the dam collapse, which killed 11 people and caused widespread damage across eastern Idaho.

The commemoration comes as communities throughout the region continue to mark the 50th anniversary of one of the most significant disasters in Idaho history.

This is an invitation and media event only, the public will have access to the new overlook and panels after the ceremony.