UPDATE: Washington State Parks is cancelling all reservations to Wanapum Dam State Park through the end of the reservation season — Sept. 15. People who have reservations will be reimbursed.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces that, effective Monday, April 28, Wanapum State Park will be closed until further notice, due to beach and water access closures at Wanapum Dam.
Customer service representatives from the State Parks reservation call center are telephoning customers with reservations at Wanapum State Park for dates through July 7 to notify them that their camping reservations have been cancelled and to process refunds. Customers can reach the call center by calling 1-888-226-7688.
Earlier this month, a fracture was discovered in Wanapum Dam. Grant County Public Utility District (PUD) lowered the water level in the reservoir above the dam to relieve pressure on the structure. The PUD also closed all beaches and access to the Columbia River above the dam to protect sensitive cultural resources and to help ensure public safety.
Wanapum State Park is located above the dam and within the water access closure area. Because the beach and water access are integral to the park, all access, including walk-in access, is closed. It is unknown how long reservoir levels will remain low or when the park could reopen. Gingko Petrified Forest Interpretive Center, a nearby day-use facility in the Wanapum area, remains open.
Campers with reservations at Wanapum State Park for dates beyond July 7 may keep their reservations in place if they wish, in case the park reopens, or they may cancel at any time this summer for a full refund.
Walk-in access to Wanapum State Park will be prohibited as part of the closure. Gingko Petrified Forest Interpretive Center and interpretive trails will remain open, however, water access on the center’s interpretive trails will be prohibited.
For more information and updates about Wanapum Dam, visit http://www.grantpud.org/your-pud/media-room/wanapum-dam-spillway-response. For updates on the closure at Wanapum State Park, visit www.parks.wa.gov/
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The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages a diverse system of more than 100 state parks and recreation programs, including long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation. For more information about parks and services, visit www.parks.wa.gov/events/.
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