40 Years Later: The Winter Turned Nightmare In Idaho

What Was The Most Shocking Weather Event In Idaho?

Like most states, Idaho has seen its fair share of wild weather. Can you think back to when something happened and was something you might not have ever expected? Do you remember the Salmon Ice Jam Floods of 1984? It was a disaster that brought extreme cold, massive ice build-ups, and flooding that turned life upside down for the town of Salmon.

What Happened During The Floods?

During December 1983 and January 1984, the temperatures dropped so low that thick ice started forming on the Salmon and Lemhi rivers. The ice chunks piled up over time, creating a massive ice jam blocking the river flow. The biggest ice jam grew to 30 miles long along the Salmon River. In mid-January, the ice jam broke apart, sending freezing water and giant ice blocks rushing into the town of Salmon, leading to devastating floods.

A January 26, 1984 article said, "State officials advised the town's 3,000 residents to boil drinking water because sewer systems had been overwhelmed by ice and slush. Authorities feared raw waste was being diverted into wells near two sewage lagoons filled to capacity with flood waters."

The Damage Left Behind

The flooding caused serious problems for the people living in Salmon, with many homes having up to three feet of ice inside. Homes lucky enough not to have ice inside had up to five feet of ice on the outside. Streets and buildings were destroyed, and families were forced to deal with freezing water during Idaho's winter. Idaho declared it an official state disaster because the damage was so widespread and severe.