March 29, 2002
John Redding
(208) 378-5212
Larry Wolf
(208) 378-5220

Construction Resumes on Wickiup Dam

The Bureau of Reclamation has resumed work on Wickiup Dam aimed at upgrading the facility to meet present earthquake safety standards. The dam is located approximately 9 miles west of Lapine, Oregon.

The contractor, Hayward Baker of Redding, California, will be using two large jet grout drill rigs on location that will be used over the next two years to install 850 jet grouts measuring approximately 14 feet in diameter. The jet grout columns will strengthen the foundation of the dam.

Hayward Baker will also install stability berms and new drainage features as part of the safety modifications necessary to upgrade the dam to current earthquake safety standards.

Several U.S. Forest Service roads in the vicinity of Wickiup Dam will remain closed while heavy equipment travels to and from the construction site. Plans should be made to use alternative routes during this time period. Main routes, including the crest of the dam remain open. Detour routes are available from the USFS.

Water Operations & Reservoir Storage

Currently, Wickiup Reservoir is at elevation 4,335 feet or approximately 2.5 feet from full. Water supplies above Wickiup Reservoir are near normal, especially with the recent storms. As the mountain snows melt this spring, the reservoir is expected to fill. Releases from Wickiup Dam will increase in early April with the start of the irrigation season.

Drought conditions last year resulted in the use of large amounts of irrigation storage from area reservoirs, including Wickiup Reservoir. This season, however, adequate water supplies are forecasted for water users in the Upper Deschutes basin.

Irrigation needs will most likely again lower the water level at Wickiup Reservoir this summer. As this occurs, construction activities at Wickiup Dam will continue. The reservoir levels should provide for normal summer seasonal type recreation opportunities.

Wickiup Dam is part of the Deschutes Project, providing 200,000 acre-feet of storage for irrigation to 50,000 acres within the North Unit Irrigation District near Madras. North Unit Irrigation District operates and maintains the dam which is owned by Reclamation.

Improvements to Wickiup Dam are being done as part of Reclamation's safety of dams program.