This will result in the closure of the Saddle Dam Park boat ramp beginning July 31
COUGAR – Due to low inflow conditions in the Lewis River Basin, PacifiCorp will be initiating a drawdown of Yale Reservoir to meet federal license flow requirements from the Merwin Hydroelectric Project.
With a dry forecast expected through Labor Day, PacifiCorp will need to start lowering Yale Reservoir the week of July 31. This will result in the closure of the Saddle Dam Park boat ramp beginning July 31.
The Yale Reservoir Dispersed Shoreline Camping program will end July 30 to ensure boaters can return to and use the Saddle Dam Park boat ramp prior to its closure. In addition, the company estimates that the Beaver Bay Campground boat ramp will close on approximately August 13. The Yale Park boat ramp will remain open.
The drawdown and corresponding closures are needed for PacifiCorp’s compliance with federal license requirements, which set flow amounts in quantities needed to support salmon and steelhead populations in the lower river.
PacifiCorp understands the inconvenience a Yale Reservoir drawdown may cause, but believes this planning provides as many recreational opportunities as possible over the project area given the dry conditions we are currently experiencing.
For more information about recreational closures and other low water impacts, visit our website at www.pacificorp.com/community/recreation/washington.
Also read:
- Opinion: Interstate Bridge replacement – the forever project
Joe Cortright argues the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project could bring tolling and traffic disruptions on I-5 through the mid-2040s. - 2026 Columbia River spring Chinook seasons announced
Washington and Oregon fishery managers approved 2026 Columbia River spring Chinook seasons, with a forecast of 147,300 upriver fish and specific fishing windows from March through early May. - Opinion: Make your voice heard about the majority party’s state income tax proposal
Rep. John Ley outlines his opposition to Senate Bill 6346 and urges residents to participate in the February 24 public hearing before the House Finance Committee. - A late starter in her sports, Clark College athlete is excelling in basketball and track and field
Clark College’s Emily Peabody, a late starter in basketball and track, now leads the NWAC in scoring and is a conference champion sprinter. - Letter: County Council resolution ‘strong on rhetoric, weak on results’
Peter Bracchi calls on the Clark County Council to withdraw its ICE-related resolution and replace it with a measurable public-safety plan. - Trump vows new tariffs, criticizes Supreme Court justices after ruling
President Donald Trump said he will pursue new tariffs under different authorities after the Supreme Court ruled he exceeded his power under IEEPA. - Opinion: A loss at the Supreme Court
Lars Larson reacts to a Supreme Court decision limiting President Trump’s tariff authority and outlines his view of its economic impact.
