Slide causes shutdown of Swift Dam powerhouse
Friday, January 9 | 11:03 p.m.
COUGAR — Portland-based PacifiCorp took a powerhouse at Swift Dam off line early Thursday after a landslide, one of many along Highway 503, damaged a corner of the structure on the Lewis River east of Cougar.
“Several slides have affected the state highway,” said Jan Mitchell, spokeswoman for the Portland-based utility, which operates three dams on the Lewis River. “This one came from the hillside above the powerhouse. We are working to get it secured.”
Mitchell said crews are installing protective meshes at the powerhouse and partial operation should resume in a few days. She said the temporary shutdown of the 310-megawatt plant would not affect PacifiCorp customers.
— The Columbian
