The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(PORTLAND, Ore.) — Coast Guard Sector Portland, Ore., is monitoring and managing vessel traffic on the Columbia River east of Portland/Vancouver, Wash., due to the closure of the Dalles Dam lock in Dalles, Ore.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has temporarily closed the lock due to structural irregularities detected in the downstream gate. An assessment is being made to determine if repairs are needed.
The Dam is located at Columbia River Mile 192, above Portland, and serves the eastern and upper Columbia River. The closure will impact marine traffic that normally travels through the dam. Deep draft shipping traffic downriver from the dam in the Portland/Vancouver area remains unaffected.
For further information on the closure and details on the lock gate’s status see the USACE press release at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/home.asp.
The upper Columbia River system transports $1.5-2 billion in cargo annually.
For questions on when the Dalles Dam lock will be reopened please contact the USACE at (503)808-4514.
