Progress Update on the Magic Valley Artificial Surf Wave Project
- Justin Smith
- Nov 17
- 9 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Note: This project is still in its exploratory phase. Community members, paddlers, city staff, and Parks and Recreation leaders have shown real interest in evaluating a potential artificial surf wave in the Magic Valley. We are actively gathering input, studying sites, and reviewing engineering feasibility. Below is a progress update along with photos of the areas under consideration. Everyone involved is committed to moving forward only with proper federal and state permits, sustainable design, and full community stakeholder involvement.
Over the past several weeks the idea of creating an artificial surf wave in the Magic Valley has gained significant momentum. Local paddlers, surfers, Adventure Idaho guides, outdoor businesses, and community partners have joined early conversations about what an engineered wave could mean for recreation, tourism, and improved river access in Southern Idaho. We have already seen strong interest and support from city staff, Parks and Recreation leadership, and other local stakeholders who are willing to explore the potential. This update outlines where things stand, the research completed so far, and the next steps ahead. Want to get involved? Fill out the form here.
Learning From Other Idaho Success Stories
Idaho has already built momentum in river recreation. Cities such as Boise, Cascade, Horseshoe Bend, and Salmon have whitewater parks or surf features. Several projects are underway in the Treasure Valley, Hailey, Idaho Falls, and St. Anthony. The recent Smithsonian article on the Boise wave highlights not only year round recreation benefits but economic benefits as well.
The pattern is clear: community advocates form a coalition, identify a site, partner with city and state agencies, gather funds, hire an engineering firm, and build a sustainable, accessible facility. The Magic Valley Whitewater Coalition intends to follow that proven path.
Auger Falls: A Rapidly Developing Recreation Hub
Auger Falls Park has grown into one of the most popular mountain biking and hiking areas in Twin Falls. The public reaches the main area on foot or by bike for about one mile since the gate is closed to regular vehicle traffic. This keeps the area quiet and protected but also limits easy access for many families and casual visitors.
Recent development has accelerated improvements at Auger Falls. New features include the new tech trail, the bike skills park, pump track, upgraded signs, and new trail connectivity across the canyon. Local volunteer groups such as Dirt Trails Alliance have helped build and maintain several of the new trails.
With recreation development trending upward, the timing is ideal for evaluating an artificial surf wave. The park already attracts hikers, bikers, anglers, and paddlers. Adding a low flow surf feature could create year round use, increased visitor activity, and new economic opportunities.
Reaching Out to Engineering Firms and Looking at Flow Conditions
To understand what may be possible, I began reaching out to engineering firms, agency partners, and community stakeholders. Low flows in the Twin Falls reach sit close to 500 cfs and occasionally dip to around 390. Engineers noted that a similar surf wave in Tulsa was built for almost the exact same flow range, which makes our minimum flow very workable for year round use.
This stretch of the Snake River also sees higher flows each spring and early summer. When flood releases are not required, Idaho Power typically releases about 2,500 cfs for several weeks to support fish flush operations for salmon and steelhead. Natural runoff often produces flows in the low thousands as well.
With a dependable minimum around 500 cfs and somewhat predictable seasonal releases, the flow conditions here provide a strong foundation for a well designed surf wave.
Economic Impacts from Similar Projects
Communities across the United States have seen significant economic benefits after building engineered surf waves and whitewater features. Several studies provide a clear picture of the potential impact:
• A Des Moines economic study found that recreation along its river system generated more than eleven million dollars in consumer spending in 2022. More than half came from visitors rather than residents. The city expects annual spending to nearly double as new surfable river features come online.
• A combined three phase analysis of similar projects projected 137 permanent jobs supported by visitor spending and more than $1.5 million in additional local tax revenue.
• Boise’s Whitewater Park sees an average of roughly 75 surfers per day during the summer. Its surf community has grown from only a few dozen early adopters to more than 1,000 active local surfers, with hundreds more visiting from surrounding regions.
• A 2006 economic impact study of the Lower Animas River and Durango Whitewater Park estimated the total annual economic impact at about $19 million.
These economic indicators make a strong case that a similar feature in Twin Falls could bring real financial and recreational value to the Magic Valley. Potential Sites for a Surf Wave
The section of the Snake River upstream of the Broken Bridge contains four primary rapids. Below the Broken Bridge, the Auger Falls area contains four additional drops. This creates two distinct zones:
• A beginner to intermediate zone at low flows above the Broken Bridge
• An advanced to expert zone through Auger Falls at both low and high flows
As part of preliminary site review, we examined multiple potential locations for an engineered surf wave. Each site offers advantages and limitations based on gradient, channel shape, access, and construction feasibility.
Initial Concept: The Narrow Constriction Below the Broken Bridge
Pros
• Very accessible from both sides of the river
• Central location for spectators and community use
• Minimal hiking required for users
Cons
• The channel is narrow and carved deeply into existing bedrock
• Limited gradient compared to other sites
• Bedrock and rock feature modifications are difficult
• High likelihood of regulatory pushback due to geology of carved rock features
• Early feedback suggests the depth and rock composition may make this site impractical
After reviewing these factors, this location is still interesting but is unlikely to be feasible for construction.
Secondary Option: Rapid Number One
Pros
• Easiest site to access from current public roads
• Parking is already available nearby
• Excellent panoramic views of the canyon and bridge
• Highly visible for spectators and photographers
Cons
• Deep channel with substantial exposed bedrock
• Difficult for excavators or construction machinery to shape
• Gradient is steeper than needed for a surf wave.
• Already is an incredible, large wave train at moderate flows (fun but not good for surfing)
This site remains a possibility, but based on current information it appears less workable than other options.
Leading Candidate: Rapid Number Three
Advantages
• Four to six feet of natural gradient
• Consistent low flow patterns near 500 cfs
• Channel geometry that allows access from both riverbanks
• Large calm eddies on both sides
• Mellow current pushes directly into the north shore, allowing easy exits.
• Safe pool environments above and below the rapid
• Close proximity to the Auger Falls Park trail network
• Experienced engineers said the wide channel would be the most buildable.
• Multiple footpaths already used by local paddlers and anglers
• Flat area and close to existing roads. Cons
• No nearby parking.
• Wide riverbed may increase material costs, but provides more design flexibility
Land Ownership Context
The rapid sits at the meeting point of three land jurisdictions:
• Auger Falls Park (City of Twin Falls)
• BLM land on the Jerome County side
• College of Southern Idaho land nearby
The site sits at the meeting point of City of Twin Falls land, BLM parcels, and CSI property. This requires coordination but also creates more potential partners.Check out RushSouth Whitewater Park. A far more advanced whitewater park built on the border of Alabama and Georgia.
Lost Access and Current Site Conditions
Access to the Canyon Springs Whitewater Run, known locally as the Sewer Run, has changed significantly over time. The historic Broken Bridge, which crosses the Snake River between Auger Falls Park and the Jerome Canyon side, was heavily damaged by high water decades ago. For many years it remained partially collapsed and uncrossable for the general public. Paddlers often ended their runs at the bridge, where a shuttle driver could access Yingst Grade on the north side and return to Centennial Park.
In 2017 an unusually heavy winter snowpack combined with warm February rain caused rapid melting and flooding. The flood washed out Yingst Grade, which had been the only drivable access to the takeout for this run. The road has remained closed to vehicles ever since.
The City of Twin Falls, Jerome County, and partner groups have since made significant improvements. Yingst Grade was rebuilt as a walking and biking trail rather than a roadway, and the Broken Bridge was modified to allow safe pedestrian crossing for the first time in decades. This created continuous trail access between the parks on both sides of the river and improved opportunities for hikers, runners, and cyclists.
The city has also done excellent work managing access into Auger Falls Park. A secured gate allows entry only for private landholders, power plant operators, and city maintenance crews. This has prevented off-roading and preserved the park as a designated space for hiking, mountain biking, and non motorized recreation. Since the community already has extensive off-roading areas north and south of town, keeping motorized vehicles out of Auger Falls makes sense for long term trail protection.
Today, paddlers can still run the Canyon Springs section, but access is difficult. Kayakers must carry their boats and gear roughly one mile back to the parking lot. Advanced kayakers who take on Auger Falls must carry over 80 pounds of gear for 1.7 miles back to the trailhead. These challenges make the run far less accessible, and although skilled kayakers still paddle it, the section has not seen regular raft use in almost a decade.
Although non motorized access has improved, drivable access to the Canyon Springs Run has not returned. Restoring controlled, safe vehicle access while protecting the park from off-road damage remains an important long term goal and will be an active part of ongoing discussions with city and county land managers.
Addressing Safety Concerns Above Auger Falls
We also want to address a common question: What if someone goes over Auger Falls? Local kayakers manage the run routinely. At most low water levels, there is no current in the nearly half-mile-long pool above the falls. It is extremely unlikely for someone to drift that far. It would take hours without actively paddling downstream! At high water the risk exists, but ironically the greater hazard is on the Twin Falls/Shoshone Falls reservoirs where water skiing and motorboats are more common.
Upcoming Site Walk on December 9 at 2:30 PM
We will meet with engineers from Merrick Whitewater, staff from city Parks and Recreation departments, local paddlers, and other interested stakeholders for a site walk on December 9 at 2:30 PM.
Although this is an organized meeting, it is open to any community members who want to understand the project and offer feedback. Early outreach has shown stronger interest than expected across many different groups.
Funding, Grants and Economic Opportunity
There is strong federal and state funding available for recreation infrastructure and river access projects. For example:
The LWCF/ORLP program supports outdoor recreation infrastructure through matching grants of up to 50%.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s BIG program awarded more than $20 million to states for water-access recreation infrastructure in recent years.
The Skowhegan River Park recently received a $4.9 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to build a similar surf wave.
A simple search shows other potential funding sources.
These examples show that with a solid plan, a surf wave project like this could qualify for large grants and private donations.
The economic case is compelling: the surf park in Boise demonstrated that consistent recreational use can support gear shops, outfitters, hospitality businesses, year round tourism and more.
What Comes Next
The December site walk marks a major step forward. After that we will gather data, photographs, community input, refine site selection, start preliminary engineering discussions, explore funding strategies, and coordinate with city/county agencies.
We will continue to post updates and ways to get involved.
There is still work to do, but the building blocks are aligning.
In the meantime, check out the area’s other whitewater adventures.
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