Boaters at Lake Billy Chinook urged to use caution during low water levels for work on Round Butte Dam
CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Parks is asking boaters at Lake Billy Chinook to use caution and patience when boating during temporary lower-than-typical reservoir levels at The Cove Palisades State Park this winter and spring.
Lake Billy Chinook will experience temporary lower reservoir levels as Portland General Electric and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs complete planned maintenance and repairs to Round Butte Dam. The reservoir will be held at a lower level until mid-April, but boat ramps at The Cove Palisades State Park will still be accessible.
The docks will sit lower in the water than usual, which means potential boat contact with rocks and debris. The ramps will also extend farther into the reservoir exposing potential drop-off points. Please follow posted signs for the best docks and ramps to use and exercise patience with fellow boaters if there are longer wait times.
“We apologize for any inconvenience, and we appreciate everyone’s patience this spring as water levels return to normal,” said Steve Bifano, The Cove Palisades State Park manager.
PGE will begin refilling the reservoir when construction is complete and anticipates that Lake Billy Chinook will reach regular summer levels (1,944’ elevation) no later than June 5, officials said.
PGE anticipates that the temporary change in water level will have no impact to water quality, fish, or wildlife populations in the reservoir.
If visitors have any questions about The Cove Palisades State Park and its three boat landings, please reach out to the park or visit the website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=24
If visitors have any questions about the construction and reservoir levels, please reach out to PGE Parks and Recreation at pgeparks@pgn.com or 503-464-8515. For updates on launch closures and reservoir access for PGE’s Perry South Campground, visit https://portlandgeneral.com/about/parks-campgrounds/perry-south-campground
