It successfully dammed the Madison River below the Hebgen Lake dam. Check it out on Google Earth. There were lots of tourists and campers as it was the height of the summer season, and the rescue efforts were underway by 11 the next morning. I think that is remarkably quick. It had to be as the water was rapidly rising and there was concern that it could impact the Hebgen Dam adding to the problems.
This is the view looking west (direction of flow)
This side is where most of the rock ended up. You can see the river in the center.
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| The large rocks in the next pictures came from the horseshoe shaped area in the center of the picture |
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| Me in the picture for scale!! |
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| Looking back to the East |
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| Looking down the river (west) from the destroyed campground |
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| A destroyed building at the campground |
A significant section of Highway 287 that runs through the Gallatin National Forest was also destroyed making the evacuation all the more challenging.
The Army Corps of Engineers had to create a spillway which still exists today. It is gradually eroding and the water level today is about 70 ft down from the peak right after the quake. The belief is that it will eventually erode and the Earthquake Lake will disappear.
There is (of course) more information at the website. Follow the link. Earthquake lake info
We also found time to go to West Yellowstone for groceries and gas, and stopped at Renee's favorite spot on the Madison River. She says that on a calm day the reflections of the mountains (correction HER mountains) are beautiful. I for one believe her!!
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| Renee at the Madison River. Renee's Range in the background!! |
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