Cache Creek Public Art Project
Where does Cache Creek go?
Jackson was built at the confluence of two streams: Cache Creek and Flat Creek. One is missing. After severe flooding in the 1970s, Cache Creek was contained in an underground pipe system that runs under the streets of Jackson. Cache Creek begins as a pristine mountain stream at 11,000 ft, but its story changes dramatically as it enters its subterranean flow route in east Jackson.
The majority of the creek flows in a series of pipes below the streets of Jackson. A small amount of controlled water does surface in a few locations around town, including Mike Yokel Park. But this is just a fraction of Cache Creek. Most of Cache Creek flows through the Kelly Tube under Kelly Avenue until it surfaces at its confluence with Flat Creek on Karns Meadow. Two other underground tubes convey Cache Creek’s water to the north end of town and to the National Elk Refuge.
Stormwater runoff from the Town of Jackson is a primary source of contamination to Flat Creek, contributing sediment (sand, dirt, grit) and hydrocarbons (oil and gas) to the creek. Many of the stormwater drains you see on Jackson’s streets empty directly into the Kelly Tube, so that by the time Cache Creek reaches Flat Creek, it’s carrying a significant pollution load with it. Teton Conservation District staff regularly monitor water quality in Flat Creek — recent data show water quality trends are improving and efforts to protect Flat Creek are working.
The confluence of Cache Creek and Flat Creek at Karns Meadow.
‘Daylighting’ Cache Creek through Public Art
The Cache Creek Stormwater Tube Virtual Daylighting project is a joint effort between Teton Conservation District, Jackson Hole Public Art, and the Town of Jackson to tell the story of this iconic stream and highlight its subterranean journey. “Daylighting” refers to the relatively new approach to reclaim and expose urban streams or drainages through natural, architectural, or cultural restoration. The purpose of “virtually daylighting” Cache Creek through public art is to increase public education on stormwater, flood management, and local water quality.
Thank you to local artist Matt Grimes of Heliocentric Designs for being the artistic mastermind behind this project.
“Our community has a strong connection with Cache Creek on the National Forest, but that appreciation is lost as Cache Creek enters the Town of Jackson and disappears into its subterranean flow-route. We hope this project sheds light on why Cache Creek is absent within the Town, and helps invigorate an out-of-the-box conversation about how its ecological and community value might be restored.”
So, what happens now?
If bringing Cache Creek back to the surface was easy, it would have already happened. The two primary flow routes that Cache Creek takes, the Kelly Tube and the Cache Tube, really aren’t suitable routes for a stream channel at this time. So, what options do exist?
Teton Conservation District has tried to evaluate this question with an open mind. And, one idea seems to have some validity. But, it comes with a big disclaimer: it is a concept not a project. This idea is merely that, and is being presented for the sake of conversation: what if Cache Creek was brought to the surface along its third, less known flow route, which runs due north from the tube inlet towards the National Elk Refuge? Here are some reasons this idea might be worth considering:
One of the educational signs that you might find along the Kelly Tube flow route.
The span is much shorter than the other flow routes.
May Park makes up nearly half of the span.
The grade/slope is adequate.
The route runs parallel to streets, whereas the historic flow route is diagonal to streets.
A new channel could be established that runs west along the Elk Refuge fence line, ending at the historical confluence of Cache Creek and Flat Creek near Dairy Queen.
The existing flow routes could be maintained for flood control and aesthetic purposes.
This flow route could provide fisheries connectivity, and restore ecological function far beyond the ability of the other flow paths .
As a community, it is worth asking ourselves: when the Kelly Tube was constructed, did the Town envision that one day much of Cache Creek would be subterranean? At that time, Cache Creek was still a stream, but as time went on, it was treated less and less like a stream. Now it is considered a stormwater conveyance or a controlled surface water amenity, depending on where you are located.
Is there enough interest (and resources) in our community to restore the ecological and community value of Cache Creek, or has it been underground too long?
