RUPERT, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation has taken precautionary measures to secure a canal gate at Minidoka Dam’s Southside Canal after a routine inspection found one of the gate’s arms showing signs of buckling. The gate is one of two that feeds irrigation water into the Southside Canal from Lake Walcott, 12 miles northeast of Rupert, Idaho.
The gate is presently closed and not leaking water. The cause of the damage is being investigated and the site is being monitored around the clock. Technical experts will be on-site Wednesday afternoon to evaluate the damage and begin formulating repair plans.
“Minidoka Dam is operating properly," Reclamation’s Snake River Area Manager Roland Springer said. “We have taken steps to ensure there is no risk to public safety."
Reclamation has placed bulkheads to isolate the damaged gate until repairs are completed. The canal gate structure is built for the placement of these bulkheads to allow for routine maintenance.
Burley Irrigation District representatives have met with Reclamation staff on-site and local emergency managers have been notified. This situation is not expected to affect irrigation water delivery this spring.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
