07/13/2026
Swift Creek Reservoir Update
July 18, 2026
Lower Valley Energy continues to make steady progress in responding to the July 13 failure of the upper reservoir sluice gate at the Swift Creek Hydroelectric Project.
Crews continue to monitor the site daily and record reservoir elevations. Over the past week, reservoir levels have remained stable, with significantly improved water clarity. While the reservoir remains below its normal full-pool elevation, water levels have stabilized.
This week, crews successfully deployed an inspection camera to examine the failed sluice gate. The inspection confirmed a hole in the gate, providing valuable information as repair planning moves forward.
Beginning Monday, specialized hydroelectric repair contractors from out of state will begin the process of removing the generator and turbine. Their work will also include engineering a temporary bypass around the damaged sluice gate, allowing crews to safely access the structure and begin repairs and reconstruction of the gate.
Unfortunately, during the evening of July 17, the Swift Creek watershed experienced a significant rainstorm. The storm washed a large amount of sediment—likely originating from the 2023 landslide area—into Swift Creek upstream of the reservoir. While the sediment had not yet reached the lower dam by late Friday evening, it is expected to move through the reservoir and downstream river system over the next day.
We recognize the impacts this sediment has on irrigation, water appearance, and recreational use of the creek. While this sediment movement is the result of natural runoff from the storm event, we understand the inconvenience it creates for our members and the community.
We appreciate everyone’s continued patience, understanding, and support as emergency recovery efforts move forward. The safety of the public, our employees, and our contractors remains our highest priority as we work to restore the facility safely and efficiently.
We will continue providing updates as significant milestones are reached. Thank you for your continued patience and support.
Pictures from the rain event are posted.
Swift Creek Recovery Update – July 14
Our crews continue making steady progress following Monday's sluice gate failure at the upper Swift Creek Reservoir.
Here is the latest update:
💧 Reservoir levels continue to gradually decline, dropping approximately 16 inches since yesterday afternoon.
🌊 Water clarity has improved significantly in both the reservoir and the first section of Swift Creek below the dam. Further downstream, the creek continues to carry sediment that was released during yesterday's rapid drawdown.
📹 Today, crews are using underwater camera technology to inspect the damaged gate. This will help our engineers better understand the extent of the damage and finalize a repair plan.
🏗️ The next major step in recovery is scheduled for Monday, July 20, when a specialized contractor is expected to remove the hydroelectric generator from the upper powerhouse. This will allow us to safely lower the reservoir further, expose the damaged gate, and begin planning permanent repairs.
⚠️ For your safety, please continue to stay clear of the reservoir and creek below the dam. Water levels and stream flows may change without notice while recovery work is underway. Caution tape and restricted areas remain in place to protect the public.
We continue to work closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and other regulatory agencies throughout the recovery process.
While there is still significant work ahead, we are making steady progress every day. We appreciate the patience, understanding, and support of our members and the community as we work safely to restore the facility.
We remain committed to providing timely and transparent updates as recovery efforts continue.
Lower Valley Energy Responds to Gate Failure at Swift Creek Upper Reservoir
Afton, Wyoming — Lower Valley Energy personnel are responding to a failure involving the sluice gate at the Swift Creek Upper Reservoir. The failure is believed to have occurred during the early morning hours of Monday, July 13, 2026.
The damaged gate resulted in an uncontrolled release of water from the upper reservoir, substantially draining the reservoir. The rapid release also carried sediment, trees and other debris downstream.
Sediment has accumulated in the reservoir over many years, including material deposited following the 2023 landslide upstream of the dam.
Lower Valley Energy personnel are on site assessing the condition of the dam and associated facilities. Crews are working to stabilize the situation and determine how emergency repairs can be safely completed on the damaged gate.
For their safety, members of the public should avoid the upper reservoir, Swift Creek and surrounding areas. Water flows, creek banks, accumulated debris and exposed reservoir areas may be unstable and hazardous. The public should not enter the reservoir bed or approach active work areas.
Lower Valley Energy is continuing to evaluate the incident and coordinate the response. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
