The dam is not used for hydroelectric production, rather to fill irrigation canals on either bank of the river.

A more substantial rock-filled timber crib dam was put in place in 1908, when the northern irrigation canal was built.

[2] The dam was damaged in a flood in 1996, but was replaced by a concrete structure in 1997.

Former Camp Columbia (occasionally referred to as Columbia Camp) was located on the north bank of the river just above the dam.

There were barracks and a large orchard, but no perimeter fences, and inmates were allowed to move about freely.