Yuba River Dam

Of all the dams in California, I’m surprised Daguerra Point Dam on the Yuba River was singled out for criticism (Commentary, June 30).

Just 25 feet tall, Daguerra is a small dam that provides big public-safety, economic and fishery benefits. Built to contain mining debris, Daguerra provides flood protection for Yuba and Sutter counties by storing a million tons of debris that would otherwise clog deficient flood channels. It also enables diversion of irrigation water onto crops valued at $120 million annually. An ongoing UC Davis study indicates Daguerra prevents predatory fish from moving upstream, where they would decimate young salmon and steelhead.

Despite contrary reports, the dam’s fish ladders work. Studies show 97% of the Yuba’s steelhead and 66% of the salmon spawned above the dam, while the rest spawn below in good habitat. Incredibly, there are more wild salmon and steelhead spawning in the Yuba today than 50 years ago.

Blaming any dam for the loss of California’s salmon may be convenient, but it’s not altogether correct. The facts, like nature itself, are far more complex. We support restoring California’s salmon. But the first step is to acknowledge the science and facts.

CURT AIKENS

Assistant Administrator

Yuba County Water Agency