Mouth of the Clallam River

Gravel Bar

Escape channel

Mouth of the Clallam River

  The Clallam River is a River system with a unique phenomenon in that sands and gravel frequently block the mouth of the river. The Clallam clears the gravels and flows freely to the ocean typically during high flow events so there is a continuous process of the river breaking through the gravel bar then the ocean building it back up.

  In July of 1998, the gravels had accumulated blocking the flow of the Clallam River to the ocean.  At the same time, juvenile and adult Steelhead were making their way to the ocean. Caught behind the large gravel bar, with no way to escape to the safety of the ocean, the Steelhead were easy prey for otters, eagles, seagulls and numerous other predators.

  The Pacific Coast Salmon Coalition identified a need and took action.  P.C.S.C secured a Hydraulic Permit and hired a contractor who cleared a channel through the gravel bar, with an excavator, allowing the juvenile Steelhead to escape to the safety of the ocean environment.

  The excavation of the channel was only a temporary solution.  It was effective but not a long-term solution. Currently the Clallam River is being studied to find a more permanent solution.