Boat Launch Information
River Flow Information
 The river flow rates and water elevation in the Priest Rapids and Wanapum reservoirs are affected by a number of factors:
- General river water conditions (low, medium or high water year depending on winter snow pack in the mountains)
- Seasonal river flows
- Power demand
- Flows for fish protection
The Priest Rapids Project license allows a 6.5 ft elevation variation of the reservoir at the Priest Rapids Dam (from 481.5 ft. above sea level to 488 ft). At Wanapum Dam there can be 11.5 ft elevation variation (560 ft to 571.5 ft). The reservoirs are usually operated in the upper range of those allowable river elevations. The greatest fluctuations occur from mid-October to late November in aid of salmon spawning down river from Priest Rapids Dam.
Water Levels
Where can I find the water levels at area boat launches on the Priest Rapids Project?
The online Grant PUD Boat Launch Map links you to the latest water level information, including details on the water level needed to successfully launch at each ramp in the Priest Rapids Project. Up-to-the-hour reservoir level information for both Priest Rapids and Wanapum pools is located on the same page. The same information is available by telephone Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling Grant PUD Customer Service at (800) 422-9983. Remember, water releases from the dams can cause sudden changes in reservoir water levels.
Why do water levels fluctuate so dramatically?
Grant PUD strives to balance many river uses – recreation, power generation, shoreline habitat and fish protection. Every effort is made to maintain water levels on Wanapum and Priest Rapids reservoirs that provide for enjoyable boating and recreation experiences during high use recreation weekends. However, some factors lead to sudden river fluctuations without warning.
River levels can fluctuate during any season. The complex operation of the Columbia River system involves coordination of numerous dam operations and a variety of power and non-power demands (including salmon protection, varying power needs and power scheduling), Wanapum and Priest Rapids reservoir levels raised or lower at any time.
Boat Launch Map
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