Wanapum Dam repairs allow refilling reservoir

RIVERS — Repairs to a cracked spillway on the Wanapum Dam are allowing the reservoir to be refilled to normal levels.

The Grant County Public Utility District says the refill of the reservoir began on Monday.

Depending on river flows, the utility hopes to be at normal levels within seven to 14 days.

This is the last major milestone arising from last year’s discovery of a crack in the dam. That resulted in the reservoir being lowered by dozens of feet to relieve pressure on the dam.

The state and PUD worked to minimize any impact the dam repairs had on salmon migrations .

The utility says all boat launches and shorelines will reopen to the public ahead of schedule.

Wanapum Dam is located on the Columbia River south of Vantage, Washington.