Local News

Army Corps to lower water level at Chief Joseph Dam

Apr 10, 2015

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is lowering the reservoir water level upstream of Chief Joseph Dam by 1.5-2.5 feet below normal pool April 11-12 to prepare for a bank stabilization project. Normal low pool is 950 feet and water managers expect to lower elevation between 947.5-948.5 feet.

The project will address erosion problems by placing bank-stabilizing rock armor and native plantings along 700 feet of shoreline on the Columbia River's northeastern bank downstream of Seaton's Grove boat ramp.

To prepare the site for construction, the waterline is being lowered for an inspection of conditions, and to remove vegetation and other obstructions that could impact bank protection integrity.

Water levels are expected to return to normal April 13.

When complete, the structure will provide protection against reservoir erosive forces.

Throughout the planning process the Corps coordinated with the Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Reclamation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Washington Department of Ecology, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife.