Economic Case for Enloe Dam Removal Gains Momentum in Similkameen River Study

The debate over the future of the Enloe Dam has reached a critical inflection point following the release of a comprehensive study detailing the economic advantages of its removal. Located on the Similkameen River in Okanogan County, Washington, the Enloe Dam has not produced a single kilowatt of electricity since 1958. For decades, it has stood as a 'zombie dam'—a non-functional relic of early 20th-century infrastructure that continues to block fish passage and accumulate sediment while providing no industrial or utility benefit. The new findings suggest that the financial liability of maintaining the structure now far outweighs the speculative benefits of re-powering it, aligning economic logic with long-standing environmental and Indigenous advocacy.

Central to the study’s argument is the shifting landscape of energy economics in the Pacific Northwest. While the Okanogan County Public Utility District (PUD) previously explored re-energizing the dam, the projected costs of modernizing the facility to meet current regulatory and environmental standards have proven prohibitive. The study indicates that the capital required for re-powering would lead to significantly higher rates for local consumers compared to purchasing power from the regional wholesale market. Furthermore, the dam’s presence creates an ongoing safety and insurance liability for the PUD. By opting for removal, the utility could potentially tap into federal and state restoration funds, shifting the financial burden away from local ratepayers while eliminating a long-term risk from its balance sheet.

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Located on the Similkameen River in Okanogan County, Washington, the Enloe Dam has not produced a single kilowatt of electricity since 1958.

Beyond the balance sheet, the removal of Enloe Dam represents one of the most significant opportunities for river restoration in the Columbia River Basin. The Similkameen River is a vital artery for salmon and steelhead, yet the dam currently blocks access to more than 300 miles of high-quality, cold-water habitat upstream in British Columbia. As climate change continues to warm lower-elevation waters, these high-altitude spawning grounds are becoming increasingly critical for the survival of endangered fish species. The study emphasizes that the 'ecosystem services' provided by a free-flowing river—including improved water quality, restored sediment transport, and enhanced recreational opportunities—provide a multi-generational return on investment that a non-functional dam cannot match.