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.