Could the Teton Dam rise again? Idaho’s water future is on the line
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This episode originally aired on March 29, 2026. It has been updated with new information.
With reservoirs at historic lows following one of Idaho’s worst water years on record, the state could face even greater challenges in 2027.
RELATED | Record heat and dwindling reservoirs leave Idaho bracing for another tough water year
Sen. Kevin Cook, R-Idaho Falls, says expanding water storage is critical to Idaho’s water future, and he’s making it a priority in 2027. Next month, he’ll lead a trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with Idaho’s congressional delegation about water storage projects.
RELATED | Local legislator asking you to sign petition in support of water storage projects in Idaho
In 2025, Cook and Rep. Rod Furniss, R-Rigby, co-sponsored a resolution identifying six potential sites for water storage projects. One of the most notable proposals calls for rebuilding the Teton Dam.
Cook will join us next week on “It’s Worth Mentioning” to discuss the proposal and the future of Idaho’s water supply. In the meantime, we’re revisiting our March episode exploring the history of the Teton Dam disaster.
Host Rett Nelson looks back at June 5, 1976, and the events surrounding the dam’s catastrophic failure, marking the 50th anniversary of the disaster.
Nathaniel Gee, a dam safety expert with ties to Rexburg and the author of a new book about the disaster, discusses the contentious political history behind the dam’s construction.
RELATED | The Teton Dam disaster was connected to more history than you ever imagined
Richard Robison, nephew of the man who oversaw the dam’s construction, shares a firsthand connection to the tragedy. His uncle was the last person standing on the dam’s crest when it failed. Robison toured the site several times during construction and recalls what he witnessed behind the scenes.
Gee and Robison also share their perspectives on whether the dam should be rebuilt.
Our final guest is Trent Walker, a Rexburg native whose parents owned a popular local restaurant back then. Walker recently retired as an audio engineer for the Tabernacle Choir. He and Richard collaborated on an album that sets the words of Teton Dam disaster survivors to music.
RELATED | He survived the Teton Dam Disaster. Now he’s bringing memories back to life through music
Walker discusses the project and shares one of the album’s songs at the end of the episode. The 17-track album called Teton Letters is available to stream for free. Listen to part 1 here and part 2 here.
If you grew up in eastern Idaho, you’ve heard the stories of the Teton Dam disaster. This episode is packed with history, personal memories and a look at what the future could hold for the site.
Watch previous episodes here. Check out the show on Facebook. If you have a tip or a guest idea, email rett@eastidahonews.com.
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