Good News: Snake River and Shoshone Falls Will Soon Have a Lot More Water

Going kayaking on the Snake River from Centennial Waterfront Park to the Perrine Bridge is a kind of right of passage for new residents and visitors to Twin Falls. It is just something that has to be done. The trip up to play at Pillar Falls and portage to Shoshone Falls is a bit more work, but after completing the trek, an honorary membership into the ‘I did it’ selfie club from the sandbar at Shoshone Falls is entirely warranted.

Since the beginning of spring, Snake River recreation enthusiasts have noticed low water levels. Considering water issues before this season, it was reasonable to expect the water would remain at a lower level until aquifers and reservoirs could be revived. Thankfully, the time has come to benefit nature’s biological clock.

How High Will the Snake River Rise, and Why the Increase?

It’s not really that the water table is high enough, it’s fish. You can thank the fish for the rising water. Little baby salmon and steelhead need to go downstream and make their way to the ocean by way of the Columbia River. That means Milner Dam will release more water, increasing to 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) on June 15th bumping to 3,000 cfs on the 16th. This increase in flow will keep up until July 11th.

RELATED VIDEO: Live Video Feed Of The Shoshone Falls

Idaho Power tries to keep at least 300 cfs running during the summer, but the increase for the fish will raise the water level of the river by more than 3 feet. This increased water flow will be excellent for boaters of the motor variety as well as the paddlers.

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Why are Boaters on the Snake River Going to be Happy Today?

Dust off the kayaks if you haven’t done so already or make a trip to Shoshone Falls Park. The next few weeks are going to be fun with the increased water flows.