Project Links
Newbold Diversion Dam Removal
Grand Teton National Park » Newbold Diversion Dam Removal » Document List
Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), the National Elk Refuge (NER) and Trout Unlimited (TU) proposed to remove the Newbold diversion dam, a failing structure in the Gros Ventre River near Kelly, Wyoming. Because the dam impeded native fish passage and fearing that it would fail with a heavy runoff season, TU proposed to provide funds and remove the structure in spring of 2013. Other project partners included Orvis, Jackson Hole One-Fly Foundation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
GTNP acquired the diversion structure, along with headgates and irrigation ditches, and all associated water rights in 1949. The diversion, a low-head log and rock dam in the river, was showing signs of erosion to the point that failure appeared inevitable. Its poor condition is illustrated by the attached 11/16/2012 image.
The Newbold diversion dam was obsolete and no longer needed for irrigation purposes. It was been identified by the NPS, TU, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) as a significant barrier to natural movements of native cutthroat trout and non-game fish, particularly bluehead sucker, a state-listed sensitive species. Both fish species had declined in distribution and abundance across their range. The dam was the only barrier to upstream migration between the Snake River, about 8 miles downstream, and numerous miles of high-quality riparian habitat on the upper Gros Ventre. Dam removal also eliminated a safety risk for local residents and visitors who access the river for recreation at this location and unlocked more than 100 miles of stream habitat for spawning and sustaining trout.
TU secured funding and oversaw the dam removal and site restoration. Work occurred the third week of March 2013, beginning March 18. This relatively early date took advantage of low flow conditions, reduced potential in-stream turbidity, and minimized construction impacts. The project plan also ensured that revegetation would occur as needed to restore the site after dam removal. This work is expected to occur during fall 2013.
GTNP acquired the diversion structure, along with headgates and irrigation ditches, and all associated water rights in 1949. The diversion, a low-head log and rock dam in the river, was showing signs of erosion to the point that failure appeared inevitable. Its poor condition is illustrated by the attached 11/16/2012 image.
The Newbold diversion dam was obsolete and no longer needed for irrigation purposes. It was been identified by the NPS, TU, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) as a significant barrier to natural movements of native cutthroat trout and non-game fish, particularly bluehead sucker, a state-listed sensitive species. Both fish species had declined in distribution and abundance across their range. The dam was the only barrier to upstream migration between the Snake River, about 8 miles downstream, and numerous miles of high-quality riparian habitat on the upper Gros Ventre. Dam removal also eliminated a safety risk for local residents and visitors who access the river for recreation at this location and unlocked more than 100 miles of stream habitat for spawning and sustaining trout.
TU secured funding and oversaw the dam removal and site restoration. Work occurred the third week of March 2013, beginning March 18. This relatively early date took advantage of low flow conditions, reduced potential in-stream turbidity, and minimized construction impacts. The project plan also ensured that revegetation would occur as needed to restore the site after dam removal. This work is expected to occur during fall 2013.