TWIN FALLS — Shoshone Falls is roaring back to life again, thanks to a large water release by the Bureau of Reclamation.
The water at the 212-foot Shoshone Falls, nicknamed the “Niagara of the West,” is currently flowing at about 15,000 cubic feet per second, which is equatable to last spring when the size of the waterfall attracted a large number of visitors.
According to a news release from Southern Idaho Tourism, the deep snowpack right now is currently at 130 percent of the normal range in the Upper Snake River Basin, and the Bureau of Reclamation is releasing large amounts of water for flood control.
This means that visitors to the waterfall in Twin Falls could be in for a spectacular show in April and May.
Last spring, there was so much water flowing over Shoshone Falls that the viewing area was inundated with visitors, with reports of cars lining outside the canyon. If the work schedule allows, tourism officials recommend visiting Shoshone Falls on a weekday because the next few weekends could see large crowds.
Shoshone Falls, which is 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls, can be seen from two viewing decks. During sunny days, a rainbow can be seen near the cascading waters.
The area can be accessed from Pocatello by taking Exit 182 on Interstate 84 and following the signs to the waterfall.
The park entrance fee is $3 per vehicle.
