Your PUD News Release

Reminder: Columbia River levels can change often

Chelan County PUD
News Release
8/22/2008

Boaters and other river users are reminded that normal operations at Columbia River dams can cause the river level to change several feet within an hour.

Chelan County PUD must balance factors including federal license requirements, fish protection and power demand as part of daily operations. Rocky Reach and Rock Island dams are “run of the river” hydro projects, which means that operations at federal dams upriver determine river level for this stretch of the Columbia.  

Fluctuating levels may affect boat launches and could leave boaters who pull onto a beach stranded.

Low water can also expose rocks and other hazards in the river. Boaters are reminded to be on the lookout for debris and rocks at all times and to stay outside security buoys above and below the dams.

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Kimberlee Craig
Public Information Officer
Chelan County PUD
(509) 661-4320 office
(509) 679-6858 mobile