In 1994, Tacoma Power added a hydroelectric power facilities to the
existing Wynoochee Dam.To protect the fishery, Tacoma Power shuts
down the power plant for 77 days each spring to allow salmon and
steelhead smolts to pass safely downstream through outlets in the
dam.
Trap and Haul FacilityTacoma Power also operates a fish
collection facility two miles downstream from Wynoochee Dam. A low
barrier dam and a series of pools divert returning adult fish to a
large holding pool. Anadromous fish (such as salmon and steelhead)
are separated from other species. Most of the anadromous fish are
loaded into a tank truck and hauled five miles upstream, past
Wynoochee Lake, where they are released into the river to
spawn.
Some adult steelhead are transported to the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife's Lake Aberdeen Hatchery for brood
stock. The juveniles are returned to the Wynoochee River to enhance
recreational fishing opportunities when those fish return as
adults.
The entire process of collecting and transporting fish is
accomplished using flowing water and mechanical devices, with
almost no handling by people. Limiting the amount of handling
reduces stress and adverse affects on the fish.
The entire process of collecting and transporting fish is
accomplished using flowing water and mechanical devices, and little
handling by people. Limiting the amount of handling reduces stress
and adverse affects on the fish.