GTNP To Demo Dam
Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge and Trout Unlimited propose to remove an aging diversion dam on the Gros Ventre River at Kelly. The Newbold dam impedes native fish passage and is continuing to show signs of failing. Grand Teton is beginning to analyze potential impacts of the dam’s removal and will develop an environmental assessment if it is determined to be an historic structure. Park Spokesperson Jackie Skaggs says Grand Teton acquired the Newbold diversion structure in 1949, along with headgates, irrigation ditches and all associated water rights. Skaggs says, “Once we acquired the Newbold dam and the structures associated that in 1949, we never really used it as it had been historically used. It’s never been something that we wanted to continue using.” Skaggs says in its current condition, officials believe the dam will likely fail during a spring runoff in the near future. Public comments will be considered for this project and the scoping period will run from today through January 11th.
