On August 28, 2024, the Klamath River reclaimed its natural course for the first time in more than 100 years.

Located along the California-Oregon border, this river is the site of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history. The project reached a significant milestone this summer when workers breached the final of four dams slated for removal, marking a monumental moment in river restoration.

According to the Associated Press, the timing was perfect for the fall Chinook, or king salmon, giving them renewed access to essential spawning grounds just as their migration season began.

“It was surreal,” said Amy Bowers Cordalis, a Yurok tribal attorney and long-time advocate for dam removal. “It was so emotional. I felt so hopeful and satisfied that we restored this river. You could almost hear the river cry, ‘I am free, I am free.’”

GPRS is proud to have contributed to the success of the Klamath project with our infrastructure visualization services.

The demolition was completed nearly a month ahead of schedule, part of a larger national push to restore rivers to their natural state and revive ecosystems for fish and other wildlife.

A Growing Movement to Restore Rivers 

The Klamath is part of a nationwide effort that has resulted in over 2,000 dams being dismantled across the U.S., most within the last 25 years, according to American Rivers. Notable examples include the removal of dams on Washington’s Elwha River, flowing from Olympic National Park, and the Condit Dam on the White Salmon River, a Columbia River tributary.

In addition to the Klamath, GPRS recently supported the removal of the 98-year-old Ela Dam in North Carolina, reconnecting the Oconaluftee River with the Tuckasegee watershed.

 

A Shift in Attitudes Toward Dams 

Dams have historically been built for flood control, irrigation, hydropower, and water storage, with the belief that taming rivers was essential for development. But as many dams age, maintaining them becomes costly, and their environmental impacts—such as blocking fish migration and altering habitats—have led to changing perspectives. Species like salmon, steelhead, and trout depend on free-flowing rivers for spawning, while ecosystems downstream suffer when sediment is trapped behind dams, cutting off nutrient supply.

In response, dam removal has gained momentum, driven by environmental advocacy, scientific research, and evolving public attitudes. American Rivers reports that most U.S. dams taken down were removed in just the last 25 years, reflecting this growing movement toward river restoration.

 

Success Stories from River Restorations 

The Elwha River in Washington offers a glimpse into the potential of restored waterways. After the removal of two dams between 2011 and 2014, salmon returned to sections of the river blocked for nearly a century, and native vegetation quickly reclaimed the newly exposed banks.

Similarly, the removal of the Condit Dam in 2011 reopened 33 miles of the White Salmon River, resulting in the rapid return of aquatic life. And in North Carolina in 2023, GPRS assisted with the removal of the 98-year-old Ela Dam to reconnect the Oconaluftee River to the rest of the Tuckasegee watershed.

These projects demonstrate the ecological value of natural river flows, from increased biodiversity to restored fish populations.

 

The Broader Impact of Dam Removal 

Removing dams offers benefits that extend beyond individual rivers. Free-flowing rivers help enhance biodiversity, support healthier water cycles, and improve natural flood management. Sediment transported downstream nourishes wetlands and estuaries, vital for ecosystems and coastal resilience.

Additionally, restored rivers reconnect communities to their natural environments, creating new recreational opportunities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking. For Indigenous communities, these restored waterways also hold deep cultural significance, supporting traditional practices and food sources.

From an economic perspective, removing aging or unnecessary dams can reduce long-term public expenses. Maintaining outdated infrastructure can be costly, especially for small dams no longer generating sufficient power or revenue. In many cases, removal is more cost-effective than repairs.

 

Challenges and Controversies 

Despite the benefits, not all dam removals proceed without opposition. Some communities rely on dams for irrigation, recreational lakes, or water management, and their removal can spark concerns about water availability or economic impacts. Hydropower advocates also highlight that dams provide renewable energy, complicating the decision-making process as the U.S. transitions away from fossil fuels.

Logistically, dam removal is complex. It requires years of planning, environmental assessments, permits, and collaboration among multiple stakeholders. Engineers must also carefully manage sediment release and ensure that dismantling won’t cause unintended flooding or environmental harm downstream.

 

Policy, Public Support, and the Future of River Management 

Federal and state policies play a key role in facilitating dam removal. Regulatory requirements, such as the need to meet modern safety standards, often prompt decisions about whether to repair or remove aging dams. Agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and environmental organizations work together to evaluate each project’s impact.

Funding from programs like NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service further encourages dam removal by supporting efforts to restore fish habitats. Public engagement is essential, as community consultations help address concerns and explore alternatives to removal when necessary.

Looking ahead, river restoration efforts are expanding to watershed-wide strategies. Policymakers and scientists are increasingly focusing on comprehensive solutions, assessing entire river systems rather than isolated projects.

Climate change adds urgency to these efforts. Healthy rivers with natural flows are more resilient to shifting temperatures and precipitation patterns, providing sustainable habitats and water resources.

Not every dam will come down, however. Many will remain integral for hydropower, irrigation, or flood control. Future river management will likely balance retaining, improving, or removing dams based on the needs of each community and ecosystem.

 

GPRS: Supporting River Restoration and Infrastructure Projects 

As the movement to restore rivers grows, GPRS stands ready to assist with comprehensive project management solutions. Whether it’s dam removal or infrastructure development, our subsurface damage prevention, documentation, and project management services help keep projects on time, within budget, and safe.

We Intelligently Visualize The Built World®, leveraging cutting-edge tools such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locators, sewer inspection rovers with CCTV cameras, 3D laser scanners, and acoustic leak detectors. Through SiteMap® (patent pending)—our powerful infrastructure mapping application—clients have 24/7 access to critical project data from any device.

GPRS SiteMap® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap® demos. Click below to schedule your demo today!