TREES: Here's the dam truth

Yes, Chip Althen, you do have this right and your commentary is right on regarding removing the trees along the dike road. What should be included is that contrary to the advice of all the locals who understood soil conditions, the Corps of Engineers went ahead with a dirt fill dam in southeastern Idaho, called the Teton Dam. Again, against the advice of local farmers who dealt almost daily with soil-built irrigation systems, the Corps filled the dam reservoir rapidly without letting the soil compact.

On June 5, 1976, BEFORE the filling was even completed, the dam failed suddenly and without warning releasing a deluge of water. A number of my wife's relatives farmed in the path of the resulting flood. They lost homes, barns, animals, farm equipment and the top soil needed to farm although they all survived by speeding northward. Unfortunately others lost their lives in this flood.

About five years later the Corps planned to add 400 feet to the top of Shasta Dam in northern California. At least one public meeting held to gain support, they were laughed off the stage when someone asked if they were the same people who engineered the Teton Dam. Maybe a public hearing should occur here so they can be challenged as to their real expertise. Just a thought.

DAVID WILLIAMS

Coeur d'Alene