19-016 Ice Harbor Dam’s navigation lock temporarily closed

Published Feb. 25, 2019

BURBANK, Wash. – Ice Harbor Dam’s navigation lock, located at Snake River Mile 9.7 near Burbank, Wash., closed to all river traffic on Saturday, Feb. 23, according to operations officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District.

A return-to-service schedule is unknown at this time, while maintenance staff and engineers address mechanical alignment issues occurring in the downstream gate hoist machinery.

Recreational boaters can access the river from nearby boat launches. The nearest fee-free launches available on the south shoreline of the river are located at Hood Park (downstream at Snake River Mile 2.5) and Charbonneau Park (upstream at Snake River Mile 11). The nearest free boat launching on the other side of the river is available at the North Shore Boat Ramp (upstream side of the dam at Snake River Mile 9.7). Explore more boating and recreation opportunities online at www.nww.usace.army.mil/corpsoutdoors.

Park Rangers advise visitors to exercise caution when using boat launches during freezing temperatures, as icy conditions can quickly develop on the ramps.

The Corps has notified commercial navigators and other stakeholders of the temporary closure. The Corps coordinates navigation maintenance with inland shippers and cruise lines to achieve minimal impact to the various industries that use the locks. Public Notices and other navigation lock information are available on the Walla Walla District website at http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/.
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Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 19-016