A series of weirs raises the water
level.
Each weir’s waterfall is less than 12 inches
This irrigation diversion dam was
a fish barrier
The
Yellowhawk dam site offered an unusual challenge to the District.
The landowner needed the deep pool created by the dam to continue
irrigation, but he recognized the importance of removing the
fish barrier. Instead of removing the dam, the District obtained
a grant from the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board
(see Links) to construct a series of weirs that would gradually
raise the water level. The dam is now submerged, so fish can
navigate it easily, and the landowner still has access to a
deep pool for continued irrigation.
Prior to the construction of the concrete flood control channel
through Walla Walla, Mill Creek was the primary route for salmonids
migrating to the spawning areas of upper Mill Creek. Yellowhawk
Creek offers an alternative route to these pristine waters.
Walla
Walla County Conservation District
1501 Business One Circle Ste 101
Walla Walla, WA 99362
phone: 509-522-6340 Hours: 8:00 to 4:30
Board meetings second Monday at 5:00
