Wednesday September 10, 2025
Herald and News —
Positive impacts of the removal of the four Klamath River dams are being touted by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation.
According to KRRC, the removal of the Iron Gate, J.C. Boyle and two Copco dams “had an almost immediate positive impact on temperatures in the Klamath River. The reservoirs acted as huge heat sinks, creating abnormally cool conditions in the spring and abnormally warm conditions in the fall.
“Temperatures regulate almost all chemical and biological processes in a river and is one of several cues that can affect when salmonids migrate upstream, spawn, and out-migrate.”
The report notes that pre-project modeling predicted that below Iron Gate the warming cycle in the spring and the cooling cycle in the fall “would shift about 18 days, and we were able to document this benefit in the first year of drawdown and dam removal.”
The report says that in 2024 and 2025 water temperatures warmed at the Iron Gate station earlier in the year than prior to dam removal in 2023.
“These warmer spring temperatures can be beneficial for increased growth in newly emerged salmonids rearing in the river during this time,” according to the release. “In 2024 and 2025, increased growth in nearly emerged salmonids rearing in the river during this time. In 2024 and 2025, average daily water temperatures reached 50 degrees Fahrenheit about one month earlier than in 2023.”
In addition, the report says water temperatures in 2024 at the Iron Gate station cooled earlier in the year than in 2023, with temperatures dropping to 50 degrees in 2024, nearly a month earlier than in 2023. “Earlier cooling reduces potential disease and thermal stress on salmonids and can act as a cue for migration and spawning to begin.”
Based on KRRC studies, along with the “more natural” seasonal temperature fluctuations, daily fluctuations that are beneficial to fish changed. In 2023 the average water temperature fluctuated by 1.75 degrees Fahrenheit while in 2024 the average daily fluctuation was more than 5 degrees.
“We expect the full dataset of 2025 to show similar results,” the report stated.
In addition, KRRC said work to restore tributaries like Jenny Creek is moving forward. More than three miles of stream channel are being restored at four Klamath River tributaries and three active sites. The report said this year’s work “builds on the foundational efforts of 2024 — including helicopter wood replacement, sediment evacuation, and revegetation — marking another major milestone in the Klamath River’s recovery.”
According to the report, this year’s focus has been on removing former reservoir sediments to reconnect streams with their floodplains and improve fish passage. “These actions will significantly enhance habitat conditions for salmon, steelhead, lamprey, and native species in areas that were previously inundated with stagnant water. By reshaping channels and rebuilding floodplain function we’re laying the groundwork for resilient, shaded and dynamic stream corridors that support diverse aquatic life.”
Current efforts include the use of large machines to scrap, haul, and reshape sediment. Work is being guided by a team of stream designers, engineers, machine operators, biologists, and cultural monitors. The report says hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of accumulated sediments are being removed and that more than a thousand trees and boulders are being “strategically placed to jumpstart recovery.”
The report describes the restoration work as “intensive,” noting, “Every effort is being made to reduce short-term impacts: native fish are relocated ahead of construction, turtles and nest birds are protected, water quality is monitored, and cultural resources are safeguarded with Tribal oversight.”
Restoration efforts are touted as a “model of collaboration” that includes cultural and ecological monitoring by the Shasta Nation and Klamath Tribes, fish relocation by the Karuk Tribe, and fisheries guidance from the Yurok Tribe (to) ensure the work reflects both science and stewardship.”
In addition, the report says that the five recreation sites are now fully open with each site providing river access and such amenities as picnic tables, pit toilets, and parking. The sites are open daily from sunrise to sunset. For information on locations and access visit klamathrenewal.org/recreation/.
The report also notes that as the river undergoes natural changes there may be hazards in the river for boaters and kayakers, including rapids, rocks, and downed trees.