Shoshone Falls, a 212-foot waterfall a few miles east of Twin Falls, came roaring to life this week -– thanks to substantial flows on the Snake River.
Higher flows of 5,000+ cubic-feet-per-second are being released from Milner Dam, upstream of Shoshone Falls, both this week and next. The flows will increase to 7,000+ cfs flowing over Shoshone Falls for the rest of this month, according to the Bureau of Reclamation.
Generally, in the winter, most of the water is held back and released in April for summer Irrigation.
But this year, officials said, the Upper Snake reservoirs are full.
“Shoshone Falls is considered a must-see experience because of the sheer grandeur of the powerful waterfall, known as the ‘Niagara of the West.’ There’s a small park maintained by the City of Twin Falls where people can park, view the falls from several platforms and vantage points, and take pictures and video. There are also portable toilets on site,” said Southern Idaho Tourism spokeswoman Melissa Barry.
Visitors to Shoshone Falls are encouraged to stop by the Southern Idaho Visitors Center, at the edge of the Snake River Canyon on the way into Twin Falls on U.S. 93, to learn about a multitude of “outdoorsy” things to do while they’re in the area. Customer service representatives are on hand to answer questions.
With chilly December temperatures, officials remind visitors to be sure to dress warm –- and to be careful, since there are icy spots in both the viewpoint areas and the parking lot.
