News Release Archive

Reclamation to Lower Banks Lake for Scheduled Maintenance

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 05/20/2011 12:08
Jonathon W. Brooks, jwbrooks@usbr.gov

For Release: May 20, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation is drawing down Banks Lake by 30 feet beginning August 1, to complete maintenance projects at Dry Falls Dam and North Dam which impound the 27-mile-long reservoir located between Electric City and Coulee City, Wash. The reservoir will be refilled in early 2012.

The maintenance activities involve work on the Main Canal Headworks at Dry Falls Dam and the Feeder Canal at the North Dam. Reclamation expects to release water from Banks Lake over a three month period to reach a target elevation of 1540-feet by the end of October. Lowering the reservoir is essential to provide a safe working area for crews to access the facilities.

Once the bulkhead portion of the maintenance is completed in early 2012, Reclamation will begin refilling the reservoir while continuing still work on the Main Canal Headworks. Work on the Feeder Canal is expected to be completed by December 2011, and the Main Canal Headworks no later than July 2012.

To ensure public safety, Barker Canyon will be temporarily closed to motor vehicles from August 17 through March 1, 2012. However, the public can access the area by walking along Barker Canyon Road which is located on the west side of Banks Lake, across from Steamboat Rock.

"We are closing access to Barker Canyon because the drawdown will expose a lot of the shoreline and boat in traffic will have limited access," said Stephanie Utter, Ephrata Field Office Manager. "With the shorelines exposed the ability to safely enjoy this recreation area will decrease."

Informational signs will be placed around the reservoir in the coming weeks announcing the temporary closures and prohibitions. Current regulations prohibit metal detecting on federal land under Reclamation's jurisdiction.

"We also want to let the public know that metal detecting is prohibited on Reclamation land and it will be enforced," Utter said. "We need the public's cooperation to safeguard visitors and protect the fragile resources."

All areas surrounding Banks Lake will be patrolled by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies which are authorized to issue citations to those who violate the temporary closures and public conduct laws. Public Open House Planned

Reclamation is planning a public open house on June 16 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. to further explain the details of the drawdown. The open house will be held at Reclamation's Ephrata Field Office located at 32 C Street NW, Ephrata WA 98823.

"We've coordinated with several of the businesses and government agencies in the area," Utter said, "but we want to make sure the general public understands the full scope of the work ahead." Any questions or concerns may be directed to Mr. Jonathon Brooks, Activity Coordinator. He can be reached at (509) 754-0208 or by email at jwbrooks@usbr.gov

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.