Elmer Dam provides irrigation water from Catherine Creek to the Hassinger Farm near Cove, Oregon. The dam includes a pool and weir fish ladder which requires regular adjustments throughout the season and often becomes impassible in the late summer and fall. 

Working with Trout Unlimited, the Union Soil and Water Conservation District, and the landowner, the River Structures led team evaluated several alternatives and provide recommended actions for replacing the fishway and improving the operation of the reservoir. Work is beginning on the preliminary design for this exciting project with construction anticipated in 2022 to improve fish passage and stream health within this reach of Catherine Creek.  

Elmer Dam looking downstream

Existing Fish Ladder at Elmer Dam