Powerful Explosive Breach of Condit Dam

For 98 years, the 125-foot high Condit Dam in southeastern Washington State held back the White Salmon River, creating a serene lake, but choking off the waterway to salmon. On October 26th, a hole was blasted in the base of 125' tall Condit Dam. In less than 2 hours, the reservoir behind the dam drained completely and the White Salmon flowed unimpeded by a dam for the first time in 100 years. Ecologists hope the increased flow of water will restore the waterway to fish and other aquatic organisms, as well as the birds and mammals that rely on them.

This short clip is a combination of video and timelapse photography captured throughout the day. This video first appeared on the National Geographic News site and is a part of the effort to document the restoration of the White Salmon River. Click Here for photos.