Showing posts with label Idaho Falls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Idaho Falls. Show all posts

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Idaho Falls

 Idaho Falls, population 60K, is located in the southeastern part of the state, about 75 miles due west of Grand Teton NP.  57% of the people are Mormon so it comes as no big surprise that there's a magnificent Mormon Temple here, shown in the picture below, apparently sprouting out of my hat.  Indeed, their temples are magnificent, built to some of the most demanding specs ever.  I toured one in Portland, briefly open to the public just after construction was completed.  Impressive!


The falls are man-made, providing a 19' drop to power low-head hydro turbines.  Low-head hydro dams have several advantages over massive concrete dams.  They're easier, quicker and cheaper to build; silt buildup isn't a major problem; and they don't require mountainous or deep canyon locations.  They can be built just about anywhere there's adequate water volume.


This is the Snake River, and the City has done a great job of making it an attractive centerpiece.  There are paved walking/cycling trails on both sides, lots of grass, trees, topiary and sculptures.