Douglas PUD is installing a log boom at the Wells Project. As determined by fishery agencies, all in-water work must take place between November 1 and February 28. To complete the project during this time, the District will start lowering the Wells reservoir October 31st to elevation 772.5 (about 8 feet below normal) to install the footings for the log boom. The reservoir will start refilling around November 12th, and be back to ”normal” (elevation 780ish) around November 13th. The balance of in-water work will be completed before February 28th.
The District is taking this opportunity to improve area boat launches. The Pateros Winter and Methow River launches will be extended and debris will be removed from the Brewster and Bridgeport launches.
Fishery biologists believe there should be no effect to the steelhead run. Over 85% of the steelhead run is past Wells Dam. The fish ladders at Wells Dam operate at all licensed pool elevations. These fish will be able to migrate up the Methow just like they did before Wells Dam existed.
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