Lower Columbia levels affecting many
This sailboat was docked on the Columbia River until the Grant PUD lowered water levels by 20 feet to monitor the cracked Wanapum Dam.
BEVERLY - The Grant County PUD's decision to lower water levels on the Columbia River is having far-reaching effects.
Water levels are at a 50-year low, exposing shoreline, islands and even a building top where the town of Vantage once stood.
Grant County PUD released a statement strongly discouraging the public from walking on or disturbing the usually-under water shoreline. This includes taking any old fishing lures or Native American artifacts that may be visible from Huntzinger Road.
"Although reservoir levels are at historic lows and the exposed shoreline is of interest to the public, we remind those that visit the shoreline during this time not to damage or disturb the shoreline area," according to a district statement.
Recreational vehicle activity along the shoreline is prohibited.
State and federal law prohibit removing, altering, digging into or excavating any archaeological object or site along the exposed shoreline.
At least 50 people were walking on the shoreline Tuesday afternoon near the dam.
Hundreds of fish and crawfish were dead or dying on the newly exposed shore.
Boat ramps in the Wanapum and Priest Rapids reservoir are closed and at least one sailboat was docked on the river, lying crooked on dry ground.
The decreased water levels forced Chelan County PUD to stop generating power at its Rock Island Dam facility. The agency reaffirmed Grant PUD's statement and warned the public that water levels can change quickly and slippery rocks make the shoreline dangerous.