By Susan Hollingsworth

Something big is happening on the White Salmon River this week and we know that you want to get out there and celebrate it. Check out these local events, hosted by your favorite non-profits and river advocates, to commemorate and raise a toast the the removal of Condit Dam on October 26th, 2011.

More Dam Fun: A Kick-Off of the Condit Dam RemovalMore Dam Fun at Solstice on October 25th

When: Tuesday, October 25th at 6:30 pm
Where: Solstice Wood Fire Cafe, Bingen, WA

Join river conservationist and author Steven Hawley for a short reading from his recent book, Recovering a Lost River: Rewilding Salmon, Revitalizing Communities, Removing Dams. His research and experience in the greater river restoration movement may provide valuable insight into the scope and significance of Condit Dam’s removal.

Filmaker and river guide Jim Norton will show his documentary, Running the Gauntlet, originially aired on PBS. The film features vivid imagery and a compelling story of Columbia River salmon and their epic, and ill-fated, journey from the ocean to the source of their rivers. His story provides a deeper look into the value of the White Salmon River’s pristine spawning habitat, soon to be available to migrating salmon and steelhead.

BOOM: Condit Dam Comes Down

BOOM Condit Dam Comes Down PartyWhen: Wednesday, October 26th at 6 pm
Where: The Pint Shack, Hood River, OR

Columbia Riverkeeper wanted to be sure that everyone was able to share in the grand acheivement of removing a 125 ft dam and the return of a productive river ecosystem to the Columbia River Gorge.

In case you missed it, a video from the day’s big blast. Stories and films from dam removal success stories across the Pacific Northwest, as well as live music from the Shed Shakers, will help everyone to take part of this historical day. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Find more in formation on the Columbia Riverkeeper website.

Live Video of the Big Blast!

PacifiCorp has arranged for multiple film crews to record the big moment at Condit Dam so that the general public can be a part of the big day. Tune into our White Salmon River Condit Dam Breach page starting as early as 11:30 am on Wednesday, October 26th to see the final 15 feet of tunnel be blasted from the base of Condit Dam and the rush of the White Salmon River take the river canyon back.

The flow is expected to be at 10,000 cfs. The current flow of the river is at 900 cfs, thus the river will be moving with 10x as much water as Northwestern Lake drains all the way to the Columbia River. A flume of water will blast from the base of the dam for around 6 hours! Talk about a spectacle!

Throughout all the big events, keep in mind the people and organizations who have been advocating for this event for decades. Feel free to say thanks when standing next to them at the bar, it might just make their day.

Andrew’s Pizza and Skylight Theater Live Video FeedCondit Dam...soon to be gone!

Stop by Andrew’s pizza on Wednesday about 11:30am for a lunch break and catch the Big Blast at noon on the big screen! They will be showing the big moment via a live video feed for all of those who can’t wait to see it replayed a thousand times later.

Skylight Theater is in downtown Hood River, Oregon at 107 Oak St.

Wet Planet to Host Stakeholder Celebration

You may mistake Husum, WA for a busy summer weekend day if you happen to drive past Wet Planet on Wednesday, October 26th.  The stakeholders who have fought for a free-flowing White Salmon River for decades have selected Wet Planet as the site for their big celebration to commemorate this grand event.

Regional American Whitewater Coordinator and Wet Planet employee Susan Hollingsworth has served as the Event Coordinator, helping to bring together local and national sponsors, like New Belgium Brewery, Klean Kanteen, Next Adventure, Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe, Kayak Shced, eNRG, We Love Clean Rivers, Crag Law Center, Under Solen Media, Solstice Cafe, Gifford Pinchot Task Force, NRS, Immersion Research, and more! Wet Planet is also proud to offer support from the White Salmon Riverfest and Symposium.

An epic party for an epic event.

Author Susan Hollingsworth writes for Wet Planet Whitewater, Canoe & Kayak Magazine, American Whitewater, and any other river-related publication she can find.