2500 Tons of Concrete Removed
Good news for residents and boaters near the Snake River Canyon: the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District has recently completed significant rehabilitation work on the Evans Levee in Jackson.
In 2022, the USACE set out to tackle a considerable challenge—removing over 2,500 tons of concrete from the levee’s surface. This wasn’t just any concrete; these were massive slabs and chunks, some weighing between 20,000 to 40,000 pounds, studded with rebar and steel that posed real dangers to those on the water.
The rehabilitation effort involved more than just clearing away the old hazards. The Walla Walla District strategically placed 2,700 tons of dirt to reshape the levee’s slope. They then added 6,500 tons of basalt riprap, a rock layer that’s far more effective for protection than the previous concrete debris. This new layer is essential for the levee’s ability to withstand the vigorous spring flows resulting from snowmelt.
It’s a significant update, considering the original concrete riprap had been there since the 1970s. Over the years, the Evans Levee has seen several construction phases, with portions built in 1969, 1976, and as recently as 1996. The Walla Walla District has been in charge of this levee since 1986 and has shown a steadfast commitment to its upkeep.
For Teton County, this project is just one part of a larger management partnership. The Walla Walla District maintains a network of levees in the Jackson area—23 in total, stretching over 33 miles.
