PORTLAND, Ore. – Motorized recreational boaters needing to pass through the three lower Columbia River dams must follow a lock schedule taking effect May 15. Commercial vessels will continue to lock through upon arrival except during the times specified for recreational vessels.
The lock operators may use their discretion to allow recreational vessels to lock through with commercial craft. Corps staff may consider special lockages outside the scheduled times for flotillas or other unique events sponsored by yacht clubs, marinas and other groups. However, users will need to provide advance notice of at least 24-hours to ensure the appropriate operations manager, or their designated representative has arranged the lockage.
The lock schedules are as follows, from May 15, 2021 – September 14, 2021 and available here:
| Direction | Bonneville | The Dalles | John Day |
| Upstream | 9 a.m.12 p.m.3 p.m.6 p.m.9 p.m. | 9 a.m.12 p.m.3 p.m.6 p.m.9 p.m. | 9 a.m.12 p.m.3 p.m.6 p.m.9 p.m. |
| Downstream | 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.3:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. | 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.3:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. | 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.3:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. |
Control room contact information is:
- Bonneville Lock and Dam (river mile 145): 541-374-8323
- The Dalles Lock and Dam (river mile 191): 541-506-8211
- John Day Lock and Dam (river mile 216): 541-298-9712
All vessel owner/operators lock through at their own risk. A personal flotation device is required for every member on board the vessel, throughout the duration of the lockage. Follow the directions of the lock operator when using the locks or operating in the vicinity of the locks. The lock operator has final authority on the suitability of a craft for lockage. Please refer to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safe Lockage Policy for Recreational Craft on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, published separately, for additional safety requirements.
The Columbia-Snake inland navigation system provides important benefits to business and the public. Approximately 9 million tons of cargo valued at over $3 billion is barged on the Columbia-Snake river system annually. The navigation system contributes jobs, facilitates import and export trade, and benefits the economy, environment and quality of life in the Pacific Northwest.