The Teton Dam in Eastern Idaho stood taller than a 30-story building. It was three fifths of a mile long, spanning the deep canyon of the Teton River with its enormous walls of broken volcanic rock. Millions of tons of clay, sand, silt, gravel and rock were used in the construction of the dam, and though some had strongly argued against building it, concerned that it might not hold up, nevertheless the dam was built and declared to be entirely safe.
The first hint of disaster came on June 5, 1976 when at 7 o’clock in the morning one of the workers at the dam site noticed two small leaks of water coming out of the canyon wall near the edge of the dam. This did not look too serious, but by 10:30 the second leak was spilling onto the dam itself and began to erode a good-sized hole in the edge of the dam. It was then that Mr. Robertson, the chief engineer, began to be concerned that the dam might break.
Mr. Robertson ordered the construction crew to bring in two huge bulldozers and try to push great boulders into the hole on the face of the dam. However, the bulldozers sank into the sand and mud, and the drivers barely escaped with their lives.
By 11 o’clock it was clear that the dam was doomed. Another leak could be seen on the far side near the base. Mr. Robertson telephoned a short message to the sheriffs of the towns below: “Believe that the Teton Dam may break. Notify people below the dam of possibility.”
The local radio stations were informed of the danger, and though the warning messages went out, no one realized how quickly the collapse would actually come.
Don Ellis, owner of a radio station, casually decided to visit the dam and just see how bad the situation really was. What he saw was horrifying, and he broadcasted a description of the disaster on the radio so that many were able to escape the terrible deluge. The edge of the dam eroded away from bottom to top, and Don Ellis watched in horror as the whole side of the dam collapsed. A 40-foot wall of water plunged down the canyon, sloshing from side to side, but behind it came a roaring flood that crested to 100 feet high, sweeping everything before it. Down the canyon and into the Snake River Valley poured the mighty waters carrying with them people, animals, automobiles, houses, barns, trees and bridges in their path. Eleven persons and thousands of cattle perished in the overwhelming tide. Men had trusted in a dam that simply couldn’t hold!
The Teton Dam disaster reminds us of a worse flood that is coming, when the judgment of God comes on this sinful world. Nothing will stem the awful tide in that day, and it will be too late to seek a place of refuge. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” Rom. 1:1818For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (Romans 1:18).
There is a place of refuge from the coming wrath NOW, however, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour whom God Himself has sent into this world to save sinners. “For when we were yet without strength [unable to help ourselves] Christ died for the ungodly.” Rom. 5:66For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6). Christ is the sure refuge and only hope of the sinner. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under ‘heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:1212Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12). All who put their trust in Jesus now will be safe in that day; but all others will be cut off in those terrible waters of eternal judgment.
How many trust in their good character, their good deeds or their religion for their soul’s salvation, but these things, like the Teton Dam, will all prove to be unsafe and useless in the day of judgment. What are you trusting in, dear reader?
Do not put off the salvation of your soul until it is too late. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:22(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2). “Flee from the wrath to come.” Luke 3:77Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (Luke 3:7). “Trust in the Lord", the Rock of Ages, and be safe forever.
ML-09/25/1977