The hydroelectric power plant at the top of the falls was built in the early 1900's to provide electricity to mining operations in the mountains above Telluride. The building is now registered as a National Historic Landmark, but is on private property.

For the first time in decades, the falls opened this winter for expert only ice climbing this winter. A deal was made between the county, a private land trust and the mining company that owns the land around the waterfall.

Lisa Wilson is a local Telluride blogger and photographer. You can see more of her work at Mountains Rule & Telluride Daily Photo.