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The Deschutes/Steh-Chass Estuary was effectively dammed in 1951 when construction by the Army Corp of Engineers finished. As early as 1937 the State was initiating actions to create the lake, a 260 acre man-made sediment reservoir. The lake was authorized for construction in 1948 and built between 1949 and 1951. There was little regard to the ecological importance of the estuary. As well as the cultural use- long before and up to the time of dam construction by Squaxin tribal members and ancestors.
This project also required the removal of the businesses and low-income residents of “Little Hollywood”. The aging dam turns 68 years old this year and is unlikely to be re-permitted if it were to fail. During king and high tides saltwater often back-flows from Budd Inlet into the lake (last photo) creating a poetic if not ironic recreation of tidal flow.
In addition to damming the estuary and preventing tidal flow, the 5th Avenue dam has been identified by the Department of Ecology’s 2015 study as causing the largest negative impact on dissolved oxygen (oxygen for marine life) than any other activity evaluated. This is due to the combined impacts of poor circulation at the end of Budd Inlet and the large quantities of nitrogen and carbon coming from the lake. The dam also creates a lovely picnic spot for seals and sea lions to prey on salmon migrating to and from the hatchery above the falls. DERT advocates for the removal of the 5th Ave Dam and the FULL restoration of the estuary!
If you support DERT’s mission, please consider donating to our cause or signing up to volunteer. Together we can remove the dam and fully restore our local urban estuary. Thank you, free the Deschutes!
