From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request. To receive News Line, click here.

Higher Shasta Dam would harm wild river

Coalition response…A higher Shasta Dam was part of the original design when construction began in 1937 but war-related decisions capped the height at 602 feet. Studies have been ongoing for years regarding the potential raising of the dam and the current proposal of increasing water storage by adding 18 ½ feet to the dam is now being discussed.

Part of this discussion includes the benefit to Chinook salmon in dry or critical years because increased storage increases the cold water supply for fish that depend on it. More gravel augmentation for salmon in the upper Sacramento River is also included in the proposal and their survival rate would increase as a result of improved water management flexibility.

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