News Release Archive

Salmon Lake Dam resumes normal operations after minor repair

Media Contact: Christine Schuldheisz, 208-378-5212, cschuldheisz@usbr.gov

For Release: June 01, 2020

CONCONULLY, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that the Salmon Lake Dam is resuming normal operations after a minor repair. After a thorough structural analysis, Reclamation determined that it was an abandoned drill hole discovered at the crest of the dam in April, and the dam is stable and safe.

“Reclamation’s conclusion after a thorough investigation is that the dam continues to be a safely engineered structure. There was an improperly abandoned drill hole, which has now been properly back filled and sealed,” said Ephrata Field Office Manager Marc Maynard.

Reclamation conducted multiple internal inspections of the outlet works, toe drains and measurement locations; performed a red dye test; and drilled on the crest of the dam at the hole location.

Reclamation, which owns the dam, and the Okanogan Irrigation District, which operates and maintains it, have both resumed normal operations.

Reclamation is committed to safety and is a leader in dam safety worldwide. The goals of Reclamation’s Safety of Dams program are long-term stability of dams to protect lives and property and to ensure the physical integrity of Reclamation dams. For more information on Reclamation’s Safety of Dam program, visit https://www.usbr.gov/ssle/damsafety/index.html.

Salmon Lake Dam, part of the Okanogan Project, is an earthen dam constructed between 1919 and 1921 and is authorized by Congress to manage water for irrigation and flood control. The dam measures 54 feet high and 1260 feet long at its crest.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

https://www.usbr.gov/ssle/damsafety/index.html.