Condit Dam Removal Condit Dam Removal - Access Washington

Condit Dam Hydroelectric Project
Final Supplemental EIS
boat ramp, a small turnaround, and a parking area is off of Powerhouse Road. Views in all
directions around the dam are predominantly natural and were classified as Type IV. An
EVC rating of III was assigned to the boat ramp area because of the presence of the dam and
a nearby residence. The boat launch itself received a rating of Type IV because of the
naturally-appearing portions of the lake. Figures 4.10-1 through 4.10-3 show the area around
the dam.
Reservoir Shoreline
The reservoir shoreline is visible from a number of residences and viewpoints along both
sides. Approximately 35 percent of the reservoir shoreline contains seasonal residences,
including private residences and cabins leased from PacifiCorp. Most of the reservoir
shoreline was classified as Type 1 and II except near the areas of residential development,
which were classified as Type IV and V. Figures 4.10-4 through 4.10-7 were taken in the
Ellis Road vicinity (east side of reservoir) and from the opposite (west) side.
Northwestern Park/Northwestern Lake Bridge
Northwestern Park is situated just south of the Northwestern Lake Bridge. It is maintained
by PacifiCorp although kiosk information also is provided by USFS. The park, which
generally blends into the landscape and is rustic in appearance, has restrooms, a changing
facility for water-related activities, wooden tables, a picnic area, a boat launch and deck, and
other park amenities. From the bridge or lake surface the park was classified as a
combination of Type III and IV. Figures 4.10-8 through 4.10-10 were taken from the bridge.
4.10.2 Impacts
Pre-Dam Removal, Dam Breaching and Removal, and Post-Removal
Management
The Proposed Action would change the visual character and the EVC types for the reservoir
area from the dam to the Northwestern Lake bridge. The dam would no longer be in place
and the White Salmon River would generally return to its former stream canyon channel that
existed prior to dam construction as a free flowing stream. The reservoir views would be lost
and replaced by views of a stream corridor. Because the White Salmon River downstream
from the dam is in a deep canyon and not as visible as the reservoir, short-term aesthetic and
scenic resources impacts to the area below the dam would be minimal.
Condit Dam/Forebay Boat Ramp
The area around the dam and the boat ramp would resemble a stream corridor over time.
However, initially, the area currently impounded in the reservoir would not be vegetated and
some sediments would remain along the former reservoir and along the stream until they are
eventually washed downstream as part of a free-flowing stream. The time frame could range
from a few months for sediment settling and dispersal to a year or more until vegetation is
reestablished. Dam removal would result in impacts to views along the canyon slopes but
would be less noticeable here than other areas along the reservoir. The current Forebay Boat
4.10-2