April 9, 2001
John Redding
(208) 378-5212
Dave Nelson
(503) 872-2801
Robert Black
(303) 445-2704

Savage Rapids Dam Sediment Study Released

The Bureau of Reclamation is releasing its findings related to the volume and composition of the sediment behind Savage Rapids Dam. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential sediment-related impacts associated with removing the dam, located on the Rogue River, 5 miles upstream from Grants Pass, Oregon. The dam, owned by the Grants Pass Irrigation District, is 39 feet high and has been diverting irrigation flows since its construction in 1921.

The Savage Rapids Dam Sediment Evaluation Study presents information regarding the volume of sediments behind Savage Rapids Dam, the types of materials that compose the sediments, the potential toxicity of those sediments, and how the sediments would likely erode downstream if the dam is removed.

Specific information includes the following:

An estimate of the volume of sediment behind Savage Rapids Dam,

The sediment particle sizes and locations,

The chemical composition of the sediment,

The estimated rate at which the sediment would erode from the reservoir following dam removal,

The expected rate at which eroded sediment would be transported downstream, and

The location and magnitude of downstream sediment deposition that would likely result following dam removal.

The number of hard copies of the report is very limited; however, copies of the report can be downloaded from the Bureau of Reclamation website at http://www.pn.usbr.gov/project/savagesedimentindex.shtml. A CD or hard copy of the report can be obtained by writing to Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Columbia Area Office, 825 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 1110, Portland OR 97232-2135 or by calling Mr. Dave Nelson at (503) 872-2801. Quantities of both are limited.

Questions may be addressed to Mr. Nelson at the above address or phone number.