Yes, Celilo Falls physically exists, but it is submerged beneath the waters of the Columbia River, transformed by the construction of The Dalles Dam. While no longer visible or roaring as it once was, its geological formations remain intact beneath the surface.
The Submergence of a Natural Wonder
For thousands of years, Celilo Falls (known as Wyam to local Indigenous peoples) was a powerful and culturally significant waterfall on the Columbia River, acting as a vital fishing ground and trade hub. However, as more settlers arrived in the Pacific Northwest during the 1930s and 1940s, civic leaders increasingly advocated for a system of hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River to provide power and improve navigation.
The completion of The Dalles Dam in 1957 led to the flooding of Celilo Falls. The rising waters of the reservoir, Lake Celilo, permanently submerged the rapids and the dramatic basalt rock formations that characterized the falls.
Physical Presence Beneath the Waves
Despite its disappearance from sight, Celilo Falls was not destroyed. Modern surveys have confirmed its continued physical existence:
- 2008 Sonar Survey: A sonar survey conducted in 2008 definitively showed that the rock formations and channels of Celilo Falls remain intact beneath the water. This means the underlying geological structure of the falls is preserved, even though it's covered by the dam's reservoir.
While the natural spectacle and the traditional fishing platforms are gone, the physical evidence of Celilo Falls continues to lie beneath the calm surface of the reservoir, a testament to its former glory and the profound changes brought by human development.
A Look at Celilo Falls: Before and After The Dalles Dam
| Aspect | Before The Dalles Dam (Pre-1957) | After The Dalles Dam (Post-1957) |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Prominent, roaring waterfall with rapids | Submerged, invisible under reservoir water |
| Function | Major salmon fishing and indigenous trade hub | Part of a calm reservoir and navigable waterway |
| Physical Status | Exposed basalt formations and channels | Intact geological formations below water (confirmed by sonar) |
| River Flow | Powerful, turbulent, and constricted | Slowed, widened, and regulated by dam |
The legacy of Celilo Falls endures, particularly for the Indigenous communities who cherish its memory and continue to advocate for the health of the Columbia River. For more information, you can explore the Celilo Falls Wikipedia page.
