Priest Rapids Dam Right Embankment Improvements
Project Summary
The Priest Rapids Right Embankment Improvement project replaces the existing earthen dam, adds reinforcement to the right bank of the river to address the stability of the embankment near the Priest Rapids Dam facility, ensures the safety of the neighboring Wanapum Indian tribal village below, and improves earthquake safety.
A new roller compacted concrete (RCC) dam with a short connecting embankment and secant pile cut-off wall will be tied into the existing embankment. The RCC dam will be constructed on basalt bedrock downstream from the existing embankment.
The project team will be monitoring for potential dam failures 24-hours a day, seven-days a week while excavating behind the existing embankment.