Resource
Gros Ventre Slide
Resource Type
ASDSO Conference Papers
Reference Title
Gros Ventre Slide
Organization/Agency
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
Publisher Name
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
Year
2025
Date
09/21/2025
Event Name
Dam Safety 2025
Event Location
Cleveland, Ohio
ASDSO Session Title
Session 21: Damfailures.org
Topic Location
Wyoming
Abstract/Additional Information
ABSTRACT ONLY - In June 1925, a landslide occurred in southwest Wyoming with a volume of 50 million cubic yards. It may have been triggered by snowmelt, heavy rains, or earthquake tremors in the area. The slide obstructed the Gros Ventre River creating Slide Lake which continued to enlarge over the next 23 months. Eventually, the natural dam overtopped and failed on May 18, 1927. The flood killed six people in the downstream town of Kelly, WY. This presentation will also discuss other types of natural dams and highlight the need to intervene to protect people and property from failures like the one that occurred at Gros Ventre.
Full Paper
