Wanapum Dam Update

Wanapum Dam Update. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

Back on February 27th, a crack was discovered in the Wanapum Dam which has caused a considerable amount of concern for officials and even bigger concerns for farmers that depend on water from the river for their crops. The crack appears to have been there for some time due to considerable algae growth and workers are currently in the process of drilling exploratory holes to help determine the depth and extent of the crack. The dam, on the Columbia River is also a part of the fish migratory route and officials have been working to find a way to help move the fish over the ladders and past the dam. The water level behind the dam has been lowered to 26 feet since the discovery of the crack. Workers are also building platforms to allow them easier access to the crack but windy conditions are causing delays. It is hoped that the new platforms and drilling can be completed in 3 to 4 weeks depending on the wind. Farmers who use the water for irrigation have been testing pumps to make sure there is adequate water for their crops needs and working with officials if that’s not the case. More on this issue as it becomes available.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.