First Elwha River Dam under construction ca. 1911

The first Elwha Dam under construction, ca. 1911. The early foot bridge is still in place over the canyon. Construction started on September 1, 1910. The excavation never reached bedrock, and the concrete was poured on wet earth. Soon after the dam was filled with water, it blew out a ninety foot hole from its bottom on October 31, 1912. The dam was rebuilt in 1913. At the time of its construction, the dam was politically opposed by cannery operators who demanded that a fish ladders be installed. The dam was owned by a power company, who delayed action with proposals for mechanical fish nets and elevators. Finally in 1914, the state ordered the dam operators to build a fish hatchery nearby. The hatchery was a failure, and was discontinued in 1922. Recently the federal government has slated the dam for demolition for environmental reasons. For additional information check the book "The Elwha, A River of Destiny" by Buckley Adamire and Harriet Fish.

Source: 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" glass plate negative.

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