Average spring runoff predicted for Columbia River

BEVERLY - According to Grant PUD Public Information Officer Thomas Stredwick, latest projections show that water flows on the Columbia River this year are anticipated to be 101 percent of normal.

Stredwick said Grant PUD will continue to coordinate with operators of other dams on the Columbia River during the spring runoff season to maintain the reduced elevation of the Wanapum reservoir. The reservoir was drawn down after a fracture was discovered in Wanapum Dam's spillway pier monolith No. 4 on Feb. 27.

The reduced river level will remain during the ongoing examination of the affected monolith. However, the facility remains an operational hydropower plant.

Under current conditions, Stredwick said, the dam is capable of generating 400 megawatts of electricity. The upcoming spring runoff will pass through turbines, operational spillway gates and the fish bypass unit.

All of the Wanapum reservoir shoreline remains closed because of the hazardous low-water conditions, including all public-access points, as well as public facilities at Wanapum Dam. Law enforcement agencies, security contractors and Grant PUD employees are actively patrolling the closed areas.

Grant PUD is working with irrigators affected by the Wanapum reservoir drawdown.

The utility is also working with stakeholders and regulatory agencies to develop plans so the fish ladders at Wanapum Dam are operating by the start of the fish-migration season in mid-April.