The boat ramp at Swift Forest Camp on the Lewis River in southwest Washington will be out of service starting in early September
COUGAR – Beginning Sept. 2, 2024, Swift Reservoir will be drawn down between 1 and 3 feet per day to accommodate work on the Swift Dam. As a result of the draw-down, the boat ramp at Swift Forest Camp on the Lewis River in southwest Washington will be out of service starting in early September.
The Swift Forest Camp boat ramp goes out of service at an elevation of 972 feet and will remain out of service through the remainder of Swift Forest Camp’s open season (site closes for the season Nov. 30, 2024).
Once the reservoir level has reached an approximate elevation of 955 feet, project work will commence and the 955-foot reservoir level will need to be maintained as the work proceeds. Project work includes the construction of a bulkhead system in conjunction with spillway gate retrofit work. The new bulkheads will provide PacifiCorp with flexibility in the timing of future spillway gate maintenance and allow maintenance to be conducted without drawing down Swift reservoir. The work is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to safety in dam operations.
PacifiCorp is notifying recreationists who have already reserved campsites at Swift Forest Camp and at the dispersed shoreline campsites about the closure. Anyone now seeking to make a reservation at the campground after September 2, 2024, will be advised of the boat ramp closure. In addition, private property owners along the shores of the reservoir have also been notified.
PacifiCorp appreciates the patience of the people who enjoy Swift Reservoir. This short period of closure at the end of the summer recreation season will make it possible to perform future spillway work without affecting the reservoir level.
Also read:
- Letter: In defense of Joe Kent, a war hero
Ozzie Gonzalez shares a firsthand account of his time working for Joe Kent, emphasizing Kent’s military background and principled stance on foreign policy controversies. - Opinion: ‘Washington’s majority party is panicking’
Nancy Churchill argues that controversial state policies, including new taxes, law enforcement changes, and agency power grabs, are generating a wave of backlash in communities across Washington. - Letter: ‘Now we have Engineer Bob telling us the I-5 Bridge needs replacing because it is built on shifting sand with wooden structures’
Amboy resident Thomas Schenk critiques Democrat leadership, tax policies, and the addition of light rail to the I-5 Bridge, while urging Republican voters to participate more in midterm elections. - Clark County Baseball presents Baseballism Kickoff this week with action all over the region
Thirty-six teams from across the Northwest, including two state champs, are competing in free high school baseball tournaments at local turf fields in Vancouver, Camas, and Ridgefield. - The I-5 Bridge is vulnerable to collapse, but apparently not that vulnerable
State leaders and Vancouver’s mayor warn about bridge safety, but insist it’s safe enough for daily use as they focus on moving forward with a costly replacement including light rail—despite decades of public resistance. - Vancouver Police seek assistance from the public to locate hit and run driver
A woman was injured in a crosswalk by a van whose driver briefly helped before fleeing; Vancouver Police ask for help locating the suspect and vehicle. - Vancouver City Council to host community forum on belonging March 23
Residents are invited to join Vancouver City Council’s community forum to discuss personal experiences, barriers, and new ideas for improving local sense of belonging.
