WDFW extends shoreline restrictionsnear Wanapum Dam through Jan. 15

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has extended the closure of four water access sites along the Columbia River behind Wanapum Dam through Jan. 15, while work continues to repair a fractured spillway.

WDFW officials closed the sites and access to the beach in March, after Grant County Public Utility District drew Wanapum Reservoir down to record levels to relieve pressure on the dam.

Jim Brown, WDFW regional director for north-central Washington, said the extended closure is necessary to protect public safety, fish habitat, and archeological and cultural resources.

"The PUD is progressing with repairs to the dam, but has not yet reached the point where the reservoir can be raised," Brown said. "Once that happens, we can safely reopen our access sites."

The closures affect the Yo Yo, Old Vantage Highway, Sunland Estates and Frenchman Coulee water access sites.

WDFW also closed the lower ends of roads that lead into the reservoir at the Colockum and L.T. Murray wildlife areas in Kittitas and Chelan counties, and at the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area in Grant County.

Brown noted that the upland portions of the wildlife areas above the ordinary high-water level remain open to the public. Closures will be enforced by WDFW law enforcement officers in cooperation with local sheriff's offices, he said.