The public is being encouraged to avoid Swift Creek Canyon after a gate failure at the upper reservoir resulted in large flows of water and debris.

In a released statement, Lower Valley Energy stated that the sluice gate at the Swift Creek Upper Reservoir failed during the early morning hours of Monday, July 3.

“The damaged gate resulted in an uncontrolled release of water form the upper reservoir, substantially draining the reservoir. The rapid release also carried sediment, trees and other debris downstream,” reads the statement. “Sediment has accumulated in the reservoir over may years, including material deposited following the 2023 landslide upstream of the dam.”

Personnel are on site assessing the condition of the dam and associated facilities and are working to stabilize the situation and determine how emergency repairs can be safely completed.

In the meantime, Lower Valley Energy is encourages members of the public to avoid the upper reservoir, Swift Creek and surrounding areas as water flows, creek banks, accumulated debris and exposed reservoir areas may be unstable and hazardous.

Town of Afton Administrator Violet Sanderson confirmed to SVI Media that the situation has not impacted the town’s water supply, saying the silt is below the intermittent spring.

Additional details will be posted as they become available.