Transportation

Geography

Historical Background

Identified Hazards

Issues

Maps

Power County has three incorporated communities: American Falls (pop. 4,111), Arbon Valley (627) and Rockland (316). The total population for the county in 2000 was 7,538. That is an increase of 6% since 1990.

Transportation

Geography

Land Area: 1,442 square miles.

Historical Background

Established on January 30, 1913 with its county seat at American Falls. Named for the American Falls Power Plant. American Falls was the first settlement in the county and was a frequent camping place on the Oregon Trail. It became a railroad station when the Oregon Short Line was built across southern Idaho.

County Seat: American Falls 

Wind - April 23, 2002

Event Summary:    $4,500,000.00 - The Snake River Plain area in SE Idaho experienced a severe windstorm on April 23, one week after a heavy snowstorm.  Sustained winds between 40-50 mph were recorded, with gusts reaching 60-70 mph,  The area affected ranged from Minidoka to Pocatello, Craters of the Moon, Blackfoot, Idaho Falls to Rexburg.  10,000 residents lost power in Blackfoot, Pocatello and Chubbuck. Schools were closed in Jefferson County.  Poor visibility and blowing dust closed roads, inlcuding I15 from Idaho Falls to Roberts; Hwy 20 from Arco to INEEL; Hwy 26.  Homes and power lines received extensive damage from falling trees and blowing debris.

County Summary: 

Wildland Fire - 8-9/2000

Event Summary:    $1,000,000,000.00 - Over 1,541 fires burned in Idaho in 2000, scorching over 7 million acres.  A federal disaster declaration was declared on September 1, 2000.  Several times DEQ issued air quality advisories due to intense smoke; air cleaners and fans were sent to Salmon on August 21, 2000.  Over 3 million acres of public and state lands were closed, including more than 2,000 miles of trails, 80 miles of river, and nearly all public airstrips.  The Salmon River was closed for 26 days, affecting  4,000 outfitter floaters, 2300 private floaters, and 140 commercial jet boaters, resulting in lost income and employment for local communities.  13 fires caused evacuations of 14-16 locations,  109 structures were destroyed.  Critical wildlife habitat was destroyed.

County Summary: 

Flood - December 21-23, 1964

Event Summary:    $21,000,000.00 - During the end of December 1964, warm weather combined with heavy rains and melting snow, causing flooding along the Payette, Big Wood, Little Wood, Portneuf, Clearwater and Boise River drainages.  Hwy 21 and 15, US 95N and 30E were closed.  Over 100 homes were damaged, numerous bridges were washed out, and thousands of acres of farmlands were flooded.  2 deaths were attributed to the flood.  A state of emergency was declared.

County Summary:  $300,000.00 - Roads and homes were flooded, utilities damaged.

The Idaho Statesman 12/27/64 

Identified Hazards ( Most likely to occur & greatest impact)

Other Issues