CLEARWATER TRIBUNE HOME

JUNE 17, 2010

Dworshak Reservoir recreation sites open; water level near-full and rising

   Outdoor recreation opportunities abound at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, and thanks to heavy spring rains the reservoir level is nearing full much earlier than first forecasted, according to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials at the dam.

   “Although the area snowpack was lower than normal, spring rains have raised the reservoir level to within just a few feet from full – it’s a great time to come out and play on the reservoir,” declared Paul Pence, natural resource manager at Dworshak. 

   All the reservoir mini-camps are open and ready for use. Destination docks are in place – clean and ready for boating fun.  Dent Acres campground is open and taking reservations. To make reservations at Dent Acres, call (877) 444-6777, or visit the Web site at www.recreation.gov.

   Dworshak State Park, operated by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, is also open, which includes recreation facilities at Freeman Creek Campground, Three Meadows Group Camp, and Big Eddy Lodge and Marina. To make reservations at IDPR-run recreation facilities, call (888) 922-6743, or go online at www.reserveamerica.com/

   Dworshak Dam Visitor Center will host a Nez Perce cultural interpretive program about traditional fishing tools and techniques on Saturday, July 3, at 11:30 a.m. The presentation will be conducted by a Nez Perce National Historical Park employee from the park’s Spalding, Idaho, visitor center. Bring your family and friends to learn how the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce people) fished inland northwest rivers for generations.

   To get to the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center, drive 5 miles west of Orofino, on Highway 7; turn right onto Viewpoint Road and follow visitor center signs for about 2 miles; the visitor center is adjacent to the north dam abutment; located at North Fork Clearwater Rive mile 2, on the north river bank. The center offers a variety of interpretive displays, tours, water safety activities, and historical movies, including the popular “Last of the Log Drives” and “Dworshak Dam Construction.”

   For more information regarding programs, facilities access, camping, or updated water level and boat ramp information, call (208) 476-1255, or stop by the center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

   As of noon today, the reservoir level was a fraction below 1,597 mean sea level elevation. The reservoir is considered full at 1,600 msl.

   To check current reservoir level and flow data, go online to www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/ nww/rreports.htm and click on Dworshak’s hourly report.

   Corps park rangers encourage visitors to play it safe while recreating in, on or near water. Wear your life jacket! If you don’t have one, please borrow a jacket from one of our loaner boards located at the Dent Acres boat ramp, Big Eddy swim area and boat ramp, and one at each of the Bruce’s Eddy boat ramps. Just remember to return the life jackets so others can be safe, too.