Water conservation is designed to protect fall salmon spawning
ARIEL — Dry conditions across the Pacific Northwest are impacting PacifiCorp’s reservoirs on the Lewis River. Currently, water inflow to Swift, Yale and Merwin reservoirs is approximately half of normal levels for this time of year.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licenses for PacifiCorp’s reservoirs require the company to maintain minimum flows downstream of Merwin Dam to protect and support federally listed fish species such as Chinook, Coho and Chum salmon, and Steelhead trout. With these requirements and dry conditions, PacifiCorp will distribute available water between the three reservoirs and lower Yale Reservoir the week of July 27.
These conservation efforts will require PacifiCorp to close the Saddle Dam boat ramp located on Yale Reservoir for the remainder of the season, beginning July 27.
The Yale Reservoir Dispersed Shoreline Camping program will be closed for the season beginning July 26 to allow boaters to return to the Saddle Dam boat ramp before it closes. Yale Park will remain open and operational for day use.
We understand the inconvenience that the Yale Reservoir drawdown may cause. Due to the dry conditions the region is currently experiencing, PacifiCorp anticipates additional recreational impacts prior to Labor Day and will notify the public of any other changes to the recreation facilities.
Check the website to know more about notifications regarding boat launch closures and other low water impacts.
Information provided by Pacific Power.
Also read:
- School bus involved in crash in Vancouver on Friday
A Pontiac G8 collided with an elementary school bus at NE 99th and NE 23rd Ave, but no children or drivers required hospitalization, according to officials. - Crown Point Country Museum Grand Opening set for Sat., March 21
Visitors to Corbett’s new Crown Point Country Museum can explore the region’s early settlements, Wasco Nation heritage, art by Charles W. Post, and unique geological collections. - Opinion: Two ways to keep right
Doug Dahl explains how Washington drivers must “keep right” differently depending on whether traffic flows in one direction or both, plus the exceptions that apply to two-way turn lanes. - Reps. Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt: Supplemental capital budget includes key investments for the 20th District
Projects in the 20th District will benefit from millions in state funds, with local schools, community centers, and infrastructure improvements highlighted by Reps. Abbarno and Orcutt. - Opinion: A troubling end to a disruptive session
Let’s Go Washington highlights multiple instances where legislative leaders dismissed historic public feedback, advanced controversial tax policies, and undermined constituent influence. - Single-vehicle crash investigated on 72nd Avenue
Deputies say a northbound pickup struck a guardrail and became stuck atop a Jersey barrier, blocking several blocks of NE 72nd Avenue while emergency crews extricated the driver. - Opinion: Washington state is blowing up its no-income-tax advantage
Lawmakers advanced SB 6346 with an emergency clause, aiming to end Washington’s no-income-tax reputation and prevent voters from seeking a referendum.
