Changing mouth of Elwha River documented in aerial photos

Aerial photographs of the Elwha — fed by sediment no longer impeded by hydroelectric dams — show it simultaneously elongating its course seaward, widening what one could call a delta, and “smearing” sediment along the shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca in what's starting to look like a spit.

LINK (via: Peninsula Daily)

Threatened fish makes a comeback in restored Elwha

It's not just salmon and steelhead that are making a comeback in the Elwha.

A small fish listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act has suddenly appeared at the mouth of the Elwha River after a decadeslong absence.

Scientists were surprised late last month to find hundreds of candlefish spawning in the Elwha, a river that was freed from dams just five months ago.

LINK (via:The Kitsap Sun)

Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History Scientifically Characterized

The effects of dam removal are better known as a result of several new studies released this week by government, tribal and university researchers. The scientists worked together to characterize the effects of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history occurring on the Elwha River of Washington State. New findings suggest that dam removal can change landscape features of river and coasts, which have ecological implications downstream of former dam sites.

LINK (via: USGS)

Time Lapse of the removal of Elwha Dam, Washington State

Time Lapse of the removal of the Elwha Dam Removal between 13 September 2011 and 15 July 2012.

Elwha River Uplift

Friend and author Dylan Tomine with an uplifting piece on floating the now free flowing Elwha River with his kids Skyla and Weston.

LINK

Surf Smelt Spawning In Mouth Of Elwha

LINK (via: KPLU)