Fish and Wildlife

Rocky Reach Fish LadderThe mission of Chelan PUD’s Fish & Wildlife Programs is to meet the District’s regulatory requirements and natural resource stewardship responsibilities in a safe, cost-efficient manner.

Chelan PUD personnel develop, perform, and coordinate surveys and studies, providing the expertise both in the office and the field to meet specific license requirements mandated for the hydroelectric projects operated by the District.

The District also must carry out species monitoring and enhancement projects in order to meet requirements of our Habitat Conservation Plan agreements and the Endangered Species Act. Ongoing studies and monitoring projects serve to maintain a data set to address issues that may arise during project relicensing and other regulatory permit processes for the District’s hydroelectric projects.

Expect changing water conditions on Jan. 10

by Rachel Hansen | Jan 08, 2024

The special operations planned for Jan. 10 are canceled. The work to prepare the fish ladder was done without the need to lower the water elevation between Rocky Reach and Rock Island hydroelectric projects.

Expect changes in water elevation along the Columbia River between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. on January 10. Chelan PUD plans to temporarily lower river levels between Rocky Reach and Rock Island hydro projects as it prepares the fish ladder at Rocky Reach for annual, routine maintenance.

In the early morning hours of January 10, the Columbia River downstream of Rocky Reach may drop about 3 feet, followed by an increase to water levels of 3 feet or more.  The most noticeable changes will be from Rocky Reach to the Wenatchee area.

As always, Chelan PUD urges boaters to use caution, as conditions on the river may change rapidly and low water may expose new hazards and obstructions. Low water may also impact boat launch accessibility. Real-time boat launch elevations will be available on the PUD’s free Current App. For download information, visit chelanpud.org/app.

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