Deconstruction of Copco No.1 Underway

Work progresses on the second of four dams slated for removal on the Klamath River

Following the recent successful test blast, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) will proceed with the removal of the Copco No.1 Dam constructed in 1918 for the sole purpose of hydroelectric power generation, has blocked fish passage for over 100 years and is expected to be fully removed by the end of August 2024.

Copco No. 2 a diversion dam that was located downstream from Copco No. Iron Gate and JC Boyle created reservoirs that needed to be drawn down before removal could begin. The initial phase of draw down concluded last month, and shortly thereafter Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved advancement of the schedule, removal of Copco No. 1 ahead of the remaining dams, Iron Gate and JC Boyle, which are clay core earthen dams will remain at their full height until the Spring runoff period has concluded and the Klamath River has returned to baseline flows. Work on that deconstruction will likely begin in May.

The removal of Copco No. 1, Iron Gate is expected to be completed sometime this Fall, in time for Fall run of Chinook salmon. The restoration of the former reservoir footprints is underway and will continue for several years until vegatation is successfully established and water clarity has returned to baseline conditions.