Horn Rapids Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Horn Rapids Dam |
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Wannawish Dam with south canal in foreground
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| Location | Benton County, Washington |
| Coordinates | 46°22′43″N 119°25′01″W / 46.37861°N 119.41694°W |
| Opening date | 1892 |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Yakima River |
| Height | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Length | 520 ft (160 m) |
The Horn Rapids Dam, also known as the Wanawish Dam, is a special kind of wall built across the Yakima River. You can find it in Benton County, Washington. This dam helps guide water into canals on both sides of the river. These canals then carry water to farms and fields. Unlike many dams, Horn Rapids Dam does not make electricity.
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Building the Horn Rapids Dam
The idea for the Horn Rapids Dam started in 1889. A group called the Yakima Irrigation and Improvement Company planned its construction. The first dam was finished in 1892. It was made from rocks and timber.
Over time, the dam changed owners. In 1896, the Northwestern Pacific Company bought it. This company was part of the Northern Pacific Railway. A stronger dam was built in 1908. This happened when a new irrigation canal was added on the north side of the river.
Dam Repairs and Updates
The dam faced a big challenge in 1996. A large flood damaged the structure. But workers quickly fixed it. By 1997, a new, stronger concrete dam was in place. This new dam helps make sure water keeps flowing to the farms.
Camp Columbia's History
Just above the dam, on the north side of the river, was a place called Camp Columbia. Sometimes people called it Columbia Camp. This was a special camp during World War II. It held low-security prisoners from 1944 to 1947. These were people who had different ideas or beliefs.
The camp had buildings for living and a large fruit orchard. It did not have fences around it. People staying there could move around freely.
Fishing at the Dam
The Horn Rapids Dam is still an important place for fishing. The Yakama Indian Nation has fished here for a very long time. It is a historic fishing spot for them. You can often see traditional fishing platforms there all year round.
