Shoshone Falls is located on Snake River, at the edge of Twin Falls in Canada. These falls have a 212 feet drop which is 36 feet higher than Niagara Falls. It plunges over a horseshoe shaped formation more than 900 feet in width that makes it one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States.
It is given the nickname ‘Niagara of the West’ because of its volume, size and spectacular view. They are best viewed during the spring and early summer when water flows are high. The Snake River is the largest tributary to the Columbia River and carves its way through deep basalt canyons.
Quick Facts: –
- Now these falls have lost much of the luster because of the water up stream’s diversion for irrigation.
- It is estimated that the annual average volume of water reaching Shoshone Falls is around 3,600 cubic feet per second.
- These falls offer a unique blend of recreational activities, hiking trail, boat ramp, picnic spots etc.
- Much of the water in the Snake River drainage had been diverted to support the agriculture industry.
- There are two dams American Falls and Milner Dams located upstream from the falls.
- There is one more dam Shoshone Falls dam which draws off up to 1,000 cubic feet of water. It was installed in 1907.
- During the spring month, the average volume of water can reach more than 7,000 cubic feet per second.
- The name Shoshone was given to the waterfall in honor of a tribe of Native Americans who inhabited the area.
- This name was officially adopted by the USGS in 1905.
