Description
Owned by PacifiCorp, Condit Dam located three miles up the White Salmon River in Klickitat and Skamania Counties near White Salmon, Washington. Since it was completed in 1913 it has been an impassable barrier that has devastated the White Salmon River's salmon and steelhead runs by reducing their habitat to only three miles. It is a small dam with little power generating capabilities. In 1996 FERC issued an Environmental Impact Statement mandating fish passage, the costs of which would make the dam an economic burden to the utility. As a result, in 1999 they agreed to remove the dam. Since then however, Klickitat County has expressed interest in the structure and has contemplated condemning it and assuming its power generation operations. For more information go to http://www.whitesalmonriver.org.
Issues
Water Quality Issues: Modification of instream flow
Fisheries: Salmon and steelhead. Chinook and steelhead fisheries are expected to return once the dam is removed.
Endangered Species: Bald eagle, salmon, others.
Recreational Values: Significant whitewater boating occurs above Condit Dam. Fishing below. Five miles for rafting and kayaking would be created with dam removal.
Other Values: A very scenic area above the dam. Located in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area.
The proposed removal of Condit Dam is currently the biggest issue facing this project. There are numerous benefits to removal including recreational, and economic as well as environmental. Fisheries are expected to be replenished soon after removal and more area for kayaking and rafting would open up. The natural riparian zone would be restored. In its current form and especially with fish passage requirements, Condit is a money losing operation. The proposed condemnation by Klickitat County could jeopardize dam removal and cause further degradation to the area's environment. For more information go to www.whitesalmonriver.org.
