Fourth Dam Breached on the Klamath River
Construction crews have successfully blasted a hole in the Copco No. 1 dam, marking the final dam removal on the Klamath River. This event is part of the largest dam removal effort in U.S. history.
Dam Removal Progress
Construction crews have successfully blasted a hole in the Copco No. 1 dam, the final dam to be removed from the hydroelectric reach of the Klamath River. This marks an important milestone in the largest dam removal effort in U.S. history. The reservoir above the dam, known as Copco Lake, will be drained before dam removal, exposing land that may be returned to the Shasta Indian Nation.
The event went as planned, with a small explosion at the foot of the century-old dam, followed by a release of brown water downriver. The CEO of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, Mark Bransom, confirmed that the water will continue to drain from Copco Lake, as well as the JC Boyle and Iron Gate reservoirs, for the next few weeks to a month.
Immediate and Long-Term Impacts
The removal of the dams will have both immediate and long-term impacts on the Klamath River ecosystem. The release of built-up sediment from the reservoirs will increase the turbidity of the river, leading to short-term negative impacts on fish as oxygen levels drop. However, these impacts are expected to be overshadowed by the long-term benefits for water quality and native fish.
The removal of the dams will open up hundreds of miles of habitat that were previously cut off in the Upper Klamath Basin. This will benefit water quality and create new opportunities for native fish populations. While there may be dynamic changes in the system over the coming months and years, allowing the river and its ecosystem time to respond will be crucial.
Restoration Efforts
Once water has drained from the three reservoirs, the focus will shift to restoration along the banks of the Klamath River. Native vegetation will be immediately planted by crews to prevent the spread of invasive species in the newly exposed riverbank. This restoration work will help support the recovery of the river ecosystem and ensure the long-term health of the Klamath River.
The deconstruction of the remaining three dams is scheduled to start in the spring and is expected to be completed by 2024. The removal of these dams will further contribute to the restoration and revival of the Klamath River, bringing hope and improved conditions for both wildlife and local communities.
