Gold Ray Dam on the Upper Rogue has been breached. The dam is half removed and is accidentally ahead of schedule. A coffer dam gave way yesterday that was supposed to be in place for two more weeks while they dismantled and removed the rest of the south bank end of the dam. Some workers were stranded briefly waiting for a boat rescue. The dozer pictured in the right of the photo is stuck for now. A few salmon and steelhead were found stranded in the fish ladder and were put back in the river. The early breaching won't slow progress or cause any major change in the plan for removal according to the workers.

 

The Rogue now has over 150 miles of free flowing river. I should have a chance to check out some of the new water above the dam soon. Stay tuned.