With a loud rumble on Tuesday, Aug. 26, one final explosion demolished the Glines Canyon Dam.

The blast met contractor objectives by pulverizing the remaining 30 feet of dam and its underwater support structure known as the dam apron, Olympic National Park officials said. The blast was preceded by several weeks of preparation. Contractors first built a temporary access ramp so that an excavator and drill rig could be used to create an extensive pattern of holes into the remaining dam and apron.

Blasting experts were on scene all day today to pack the holes with dynamite and set the charges.

“This final blast is a milestone – the Glines Canyon Dam no longer exists,” Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said.

The contractor estimates another six to eight weeks of work to remove the rubble and debris from the channel.

Background and more information about preparations for the explosion may be found at the Elwha River Restoration Blog at www.nps.gov/olym/naturescience/damremovalblog.htm.