Location: South Fork of Eel River near Garberville.
Length: 270 ft.
Height: 16 ft.
Fish Ladder: Placed at right end of dam (looking upstream), opening pool of ladder being near outlet of water from power-house. 15 pools in ladder - 6 below turn, 9 above.
Friday, December 20, 1935
Left Basin Creek Hatchery for duty at Benbow Station.
Arrived at Sacramento but found no one to give me information regarding Ford pick-up, which I was supposed to receive. Phoned Mr. Vogt regarding same and he informed me as to where I could locate the truck, as it was in use at Elk Grove, in fish rescue work.
Remained over night in Sacramento.
C.W.Chansler
Saturday, December 21, 1935
Went from Sacamento to Elk Grove and received Ford pick-up(E5241) from Abe Woodward, then continued on to Jahoe Hatchery to get an outboard motor for use at Benbow Egg Collecting Station. Remained over-night at Williams, as it was too late to complete the trip.
C.W.Chansler
Sunday, December 22, 1935
Chansler arrived at Garberville for duty at Benbow Station.
Met L. Phillips on highway near Willits and received some instructions from him regarding the work at the station.
Weather cold, some fog.
C.W.Chansler
Monday, December 23, 1935
Stayed at Garberville Inn and then went to Eel River Lodge to make arrangements in regard to accomodations at the Lodge for a few months. Went to the dam to look over the project. A few salmon were working below the the dam.
Received the office supplies, nets, etc. that Mr. Phillipps had left at Eel River Lodge.
Weather unsetteld, cold.
Chansler on duty.
C.W.Chansler
Tuesday, December 24, 1935
Went to San Francisco on way to Elk Grove after my car.
Talked with Mr. Snyder and Mr. Vogt in the San Francisco office.
C.W.Chansler
Wednesday, December 25, 1935
X-mas Day. No work.
C.W.Chansler
Thursday, December 26, 1935
Returned with car today.
Came by the hatchery at Ukiah and saw Mr. West in regard to bringing up the boat and other supplies to Benbow Station.
Started raining about three P.M. and rained until early morning.
Chansler on duty.
C.W.Chansler
Friday, December 27, 1935
Made final arrangements regarding board and lodging, at Eel River Lodge. Had two net frames and handlers made by the blacksmith in Garberville.
Went to the dam. Several fish (salmon) working just below the dam and quite number of them passing over the ladder.
Weather fair. River very noisy.
Chansler on duty.
C.W.Chansler
Saturday, December 28, 1935
At the dam during the morning. River seems full of fish abd they are surely going over the ladder in large numbers. So far, all salmon, and most of them are near ripe fish.
Mr. Sachs and West delivered the boat, fish cans and screen at the station in afternoon.
Received the remainder of office supplies also two slicker suits by Parcel Post, today.
River clearing. Light rainfall in fore noon, increasing during afternoon and raining steadily to night-fall.
Chansler on duty.
C.W.Chansler
Sunday, December 29, 1935
Went to the dam in morning and afternoon for a couple of hours each time, but didn't cross over to the ladder. Water running about thirty inches above top of dam, swift and very muddy. Very few fish working around the ladder.
Rained steadily during the night and continued all through today.
C.W.Chansler
Monday, December 30, 1935
Made out weekly report.
Went in to Garberville for the mail the went to the dam, and across the river to the ladder. Took the new metal gate to trap and watched the ladder for a few hours. Water still high and very muddy but very large salmon are going over ladder. Very few steelhead showing up, so far.
Rained practically all day but ceased near nightfall.
C.W.Chansler
Tuesday, December 31, 1935
Removed plates from holding tank doors and installed throat in tank and now have station in readiness to commence operations. Had to take the metal gate to blacksmith in Garberville, to have it reinforced as it would not hold up against the large fish.
Mr. Ed Sack reported today, for duty at Benbow station, being brought here by Mr. West.
Weather unsettled, river noisy, dropping some lower.
Migration of eels has started.
W 48-48-48
A 43-47-48
C.W.Chansler
Wednesday, January 1, 1936
Launched the new boat (Kingfisher I) and Ed Sack rowed it to the dam. Drove car to Garberville to get the repaired screen.
Sack and Chansler were at the trap all day working the fish that came into trap. Only a few steelhead running now, and all of them are very green. The percentage of males is very great in this first nun.
The eel migration is still on, with several of them working their way over the dam. Water lower, clearing.
Weather unsettled during day, raining heavily at nightfall. Fish tested and passed thru rack:
Steelhead: 30 female - 64 males total=94.
Salmon: 18
W 48-48-48
A 43-47-48
Sack and Chansler on duty,
C.W.Chansler
Thursday , January 2, 1936
Sack and Chansler worked at trap. Kept busy most of day regulating flow of water through the ladder as the river was very high. Water very muddy and swift, full of debris.
Run of fish was light. Eels are still on the move.
Went to Garberville for the monthly bill at garage.
Tested and counted through all fish as they passed over ladder. Rain all day. Weather warmer. Counted through:
Steelhead: 10 females - 12 males total=22
Salmon: 11
W 48-48-48
A 46-51-49
C.W.Chansler
Friday, January 3, 1936
Sack and Chansler worked at ladder, testing fish for ripeness and passing them on over the ladder. All fish taken, so far, show no sign of becoming ripe for about three weeks, all being very firm.
Cleaned mud from holding tank and regulated flow of water through the ladder.
Water still muddy, some lower. Weather unsettled, showers with rain falling steadily at nightfall.
Counted through ladder:
Steelhead: 52 females - 39 males total=91
Salmon: 72
A 49-50-51
W 48-49-49
Hand tally machine received.
C.W.Chansler
Saturday, January 4, 1936
Sack and Chansler worked all day at the dam, testing and passing over all fish that came through the ladder.
No ripe ones, as yet, though a very nice run of heavy fish ranging from about five to fifteen pounds with several heavier.
River still high and very muddy. Very few fish are seen working during the days the stream is so muddy and swift, with most of the run coming by ten o'clock A.M.
Rained all during the night with heavy showers most of the day. Water rising slowly in the evening.
Tested and counted through the ladder:
Steelhead: 84 females - 34 males total=118
Salmon: 14
A 49-51-51
W 49-49-49
C.W.Chansler
Sunday, January 5, 1936
Sack and Chansler worked all day at ladder testing and counting thru all fish.
A larger hereantage of females are swimming now but none of them are near ready to show.
Built the foot bridge from the hower hower to the trail. River droppomg some lower but still quite muddy. No rain today. Counted thru ladder:
Steelhead: 100 females - 68 males total=168
Salmon: 26
W 48-49-49
A 44-50-48
C.W.Chansler
Monday, January 6, 1936
Went to town to send out mail, also to inguire about freight and express. Received supplies ordered: pick, shovels, hammer, nails, saw, horns, padlocks, 2 Coleman lanterns, pails and hams. Worked at ladder all day testing and hauling over all fish. Eel migration apparently has ceased, for a time at least. Weather showers, river falling and clearing some. Chansler and Sacks on duty. Tested and counted thru:
Steelhead: 189 females - 98 males total=287
Salmon: 51
W 48-49-49
A 45-51-47
C.W.Chansler
Tuesday, January 7, 1936
Sack and Chansler worked all day at ladder testing and counting thru all fish. All the females are very green with no sign of becoming ripe for some time. Fish are really in nice shape.
Worked on trail leading down to trap, leveling off some of the steep places.
Weather unsettled, heavy showers during the day and continuing at nightfall. Water clearing. Received part of the gasoline and oil order
.Counted through:
Steelhead:92 females - 53 males total=145
Salmon 20
W 47-47-47
A 44-45-48
C.W.Chansler
Wednesday, January 8, 1936
Sack and Chansler worked at ladder testing and counting through fish. The run today was the heaviest, so far taken, but no ripe ones. A very heavy egg take would result if the fish were ready to spawn.
River seems full of fish with several nice ones being caught by fishermen. Built a rack for gasoline drum near the the garage at Eel River Lodge. Rained steadily all day, increasing at nightfall. River rising and is becoming muddy. Fish tested and counted thru:
Steelhead:101 females - 63 males total=164
Salmon 14
W 47-47-48
A 47-48-49
C.W.Chansler
Thursday, January 9, 1936
Sack and Chansler on duty. Went to the dam but river too high and swift to attempt crossing. Water about six feet above dam. Baled a rack for the gasline drums. Heavy rain since yesterday. River full of debris.
No work on ladder today.
C.W.Chansler
Friday, January 10, 1936
Sack and Chansler on duty. Went to dam but couldn't get across. River higher than yesterday and very swift.
Inspector Phillips stopped here on his way to Prarie Creek Hatchery. Water rising rapidly. At ten o'clock P.M., Sack moved the gasline drums to higher ground, for safety.
Still raining steadily and river rising, full of debris. Back wash now working around holding tank.
C.W.Chansler
January 11, 1936
Sack and Chansler on duty but still unable to cross river. About twelve feet of water now going over dam. Water going entirely over trap. Holding tank has washed out entirely and gone down stream. Bailed the boat (KingFisher I) and drew it up on the bank for further protection. Large number of logs and entire trees now going over dam. River very swift. No sign of any fish at all. Went into Garberville for new rope for boat, also a funnel for filling gas tanks on car.
Rained most of day. River has risen high enough that about six inches of water are in garage. Geoffey Rice arrived for duty at this station.
Inspector Phillips stopped in, on his return from Prairie Creek Hatchery.
C.W.Chansler
Sunday, January 12, 1936
Sack, Rice and Chansler on duty. Went to the dam but could not cross the river to ladder. River still very high and muddy though it has dropped about six feet.
Inspector Phillipps here today but as the river was to high, it was impossible to look over the tanks and determine what amount of damage had been done. Rain in morning, increasing throughout the day and raining heavily at nightfall.
C.W.Chansler
Monday, January 13, 1936
Sack, Rice and Chansler on duty. River raised about four feet since yesterday, so are unable to cross. Too swift and full of logs and drift.
Shoveled out slide from the road, leading to the dam. Rained practically all night and throughout the day.
Received license plates for Ford pickup.Ex 5676
C.W.Chansler
Tuesday, January 14, 1936
Sack, Rice and Chansler on duty. More rain. Rained steadily all of last night and today.
Made two trips to the dam but water much to high to attempt crossing the river. Water now at highest point, so far, this season.
Banks are caving in and trees sliding into stream.
Inpossible to accomplish any thing during this sort of weather. Water full of logs and debris.
C.W.Chansler
Wednesday, January 15, 1936
Sack, Rice and Chansler on duty. Raining continuously for the past twenty-one days. River still very high and swift and has flooded the garage to the depth of two feet. Gasoline drums and fish cans are now floating around in the garage. Have moved all the cars from garage to high ground outside the building. The Lodge woodshed has washed downstream. River full of logs and trees.
Received 1 gallon can of E.E. oil, by express.
C.W.Chansler
Thursday January 16, 1936
Sack, Rice and Chansler on duty. Made one trip to dam in the morning and one in the evening but unable to cross the river. River fell about three feet during the night and still falling slowly throughout the day. It has ceased raining steadily, however, heavy showers have continued during the day with an occasional glimpse of the sun. Cleaned debris from garage and straightened things around so we can drive the cars back in to the place.
Weather cooler.
C.W.Chansler
Friday, January 17, 1936
Sack, Rice and Chansler on duty. River has finally fallen enough so we are now able to cross over to the ladder.
Had to cut new set of boards for the ladder as the high water had washed away most of the boards. A large amount of mud and drift in the trap had to be cleaned out.
Quite a stretch of the bank and also some large trees down stream from the ladder, are sliding into the river.
Saw only a few fish working near the ladder. Water still high and muddy.
W 49 - 49
A 42 - 46
C.W.Chansler
Saturday, January 18, 1936
Worked at ladder, piling lumber that had slid down against tank house when the bank caved in. Quite a large amount of the fill has caved in from under lower end of trap tank and ladder. Have the water shut off from the ladder until the river lowers enough that we can determine the extent of damage.
Things look real tough.
Talked by phone with Mr. Vogt in S.F. regarding conditions here at the station. He advised replacing of plates on the tank to prevent its filling with water until the ladder damage can be determined.
Water very muddy, still very high. A few fish working near the ladder. 10 gallons aviation fuel received. Standard Oil order now fully delivered.
W 48-49-49
A 44-47-49
C.W.Chansler
Sunday, January 19, 1936
Sack, Rice, and Chansler on duty. Cannot accomplish very much at the ladder for some time yet. Started up the motor (Evinrude), also drained and refilled crank-case on Ford pick-up. Chansler made out weekly report. Water some lower but dropping very slowly. Weather partly cloudy, no rain, for first time in twenty-six days.
W 49-49-49
A 44-47-49
C.W.Chansler
Monday, January 20, 1936
Sack, Rice, and Chansler on duty. Went to the ladder this morning and found that it was cracking in several places and starting to settle. Within a few hours it had broken apart, up along the tank, and was settling into the river. All foundation from the turn of the ladder seemed to be washed away, so with no support to hold it fast, was caving in. The tank remained firm though about one third of the fill under it had slid into the river. The ladder in falling had broken entirely free from our trap tank so there was absolutly no pressure from the tank on to the ladder. This part of the action was watched very closely by all three men. Sent wire to office in S.F. telling of conditions here at station. Water lower, weather clear.
W 49-49-49
A 42-46-49
C.W.Chansler
Tuesday, January 21, 1936
Sack, Rice, and Chansler on duty. At the ladder all day, though we were unable to accomplish anything. Ladder continues to settle into river. Removed throat and equipment from tank and placed it on safe ground. Mr. C.O. Elliger arrived at station in the afternoon to inspect damage and sent wire to office regarding it. He found it necessary to remove part of tank, in order to make space for new temporary ladder. Received wire from office P.M. Water falling very slowly. Weather clear.
W 49-49-49
A 40-43-48
C.W.Chansler
Wednesday, January 22, 1936
Sack, Rice, and Chansler on duty. Removed our equipment (except the boat, Kingfisher I) from the station and placed it in garage at Eel River Lodge. Assisted Mr. Benbow's men in work at the ladder. Made trip in Ford (5676) into Garberville for Mr. Elliger in the morning, also in evening. Recieved letter from office instructing transfers for Mr. Sack and Mr. Rice.
Water clearing, weather clear.
C.W.Chansler
Thursday, January 23, 1936
Chansler on duty. Mr. Sack transferred to Cold Creek Hatchery and Mr. Rice transferred to Snow Mountain Egg Collecting Station as per instructions from the office. Chansler assisted at the ladder also made one trip to Garberville in morning and one in evening for Mr. Elliger. Used State Ford. Water clearing, weather fair. J.W. Cook stopped at the dam on his way to Orick.
C.W.Chansler
Friday, January 24, 1936
Chansler on duty. Made a trip to town in morning, also at noon, for Mr. Elliger and brought him to the ladder. He left for S.F. in afternoon. Work on temporary ladder is progressing as well as can be expected, owing to the condition of everything. River seems alive with fish and they are jumping at the dam, in large numbers. Eels are still migrating. River dropping slowly, clearing. Weather foggy, occasionally clearing.
C.W.Chansler
Saturday, January 25, 1936
Chansler on duty. At the ladder all day watching the new construction and helping some with the work. They are trying to complete the work by evening but it will take time to do so. J.W. Cook stopped at the dam on his return from Orick. Dockham and family from the Ft. Seward Hatchery, called today. River about normal flow, weather cloudy, unsettled, all indications for a storm.
C.W.Chansler
Sunday, January 26, 1936
Chansler on duty. Went to the dam, morning and afternoon, to watch progress on new fish ladder construction. They are making real good headway on the work. Made out weekly report. River almost normal. Weather, showers.
C.W.Chansler
Monday, January 27, 1936
Chansler on duty. Went to the dam in morning. The new ladder (temporary) is now completed and was placed in operation about noon. It appears to be O.K. and the fish are now in river, and they are fighting the dam, all the time. River normal, Weather, showers.
C.W.Chansler
Tuesday, January 28, 1936
Chansler on duty. At the dam all day, watching the ladder to see how the fish react to it. They are surely going through large numbers and passing through very quickly, as the pools are shorter, also the fish have been held back for about two weeks. The water is clear now, ideal for fishing, and many limit catches are being made. Quite heavy migration of eels is now on. River normal, weather clear. Mr. C.O. Elliger arrived at 6 P.M.
C.W.Chansler
Wednesday, January 29, 1936
Chansler on duty. Built a frame and placed it in one of the jumps in the ladder, so the fish can be counted as they pass through the ladder. The heavy run is well passed over the ladder now as they went through rapidly as soon as the ladder was opened. Mr. Elliger was at the station and was well pleased with the temporary ladder. Made two trips to town for Mr. Elliger. Water normal flow, clear, weather fair.
W 48-48-49
A 43-54-54
557 count
C.W.Chansler
Thursday, January 30, 1936
Chansler on duty. At the ladder counting through the fish. Very few fish working in the stream today and the run is light. Put a chain and padlock on the boat to keep fishermen from using it. Eel migration has slackened up. Received cloth signs (1/2 mi. notice) today. Capt. Dondero of the patrol dept. visited the station.
Water normal, weather fair.
W 47-47-48
A 37-45-51
209 count
C.W.Chansler
Friday January 31, 1936
Chansler on duty at the ladder counting the the fish as they passed through.
The run has stopped until it is now very light, the water being low and clear.
Received pair of rubber boots and slicker suit today.
Water normal, clean. Weather clear.
W 46-47-47
A 41-45-51
67 count
C.W.Chansler
Saturday, February 1, 1936
Chansler on duty. Checking fish as they passed through ladder. Worked on foot trail leading down to boat landing. The present run of fish has practically cleared. A large number of fishermen are trying their luck these days. Water normal, Weather clear, cold.
W 46-46-47
A 43-46-49
27 count
C.W.Chansler
Saturday, February 2, 1936
Chansler on duty. At ladder, most of day, but saw only a small number of fish working near the dam. Very few fish being taken by fishermen and only a few passed through the ladder. Water normal, clear. Weather fair, cold.
W 45-46-46
A 40-44-46
9 count
C.W.Chansler
Monday, February 3, 1936
Chansler on duty. Made out weekly report also monthly report. At the ladder to count fish as they hassed thru, but saw only a few in the stream, and none of of them went thru the ladder. Not many fish being taken by fishermen now as the water is low and clear. Does not appear to be any run at all.
Water low, clear. Weather clear, cold.
W 43-43-45
A 29-33-44
C.W.Chansler
Tuesday, February 4, 1936
Chansler on duty at the ladder. Another day with no fish passing over the ladder and only four or five in sight during the the entire day. Water too low at the present time.
Posted the cloth signs on each side of the river for a distance of 1/2 mile bebow the dam. Considerable "" by some of fishermen regarding signs. Captain Harh visited the station today.
Weather unsettled, showers P.M. Water slowly dropping, clear.
W 43-43-44
A 37-45-46
C.W.Chansler
Wednesday, February 5, 1936
Chansler on duty at fish ladder. Not many fish to be seen working in the river and but a very few passing through the ladder.
Water low and clear and clear.
Weather fair.
W 44-44-45
A 39-41-45
31 count
C.W.Chansler
Thursday, February 6, 1936
Chansler on duty at the ladder. Appears to be less fish in the stream than at any previous time. Very few are passing through the ladder.
Reports of most of the fishermen are that, fishing is very poor. Water low and clear.
Weather fair, cold.
W 43-43-45
A 34-36-47
17 count
C.W.Chansler
Friday, February 7, 1936
Chansler on duty at fish ladder. Quite a large school of fish has moved up-stream to the dam but they seem to be in no hurry to go further. They are not working, to speak of, and none of them have attempted to go though the ladder.
Water lower, clear.
Weather fair.
W 43-43-45
A 37-43-50
C.W.Chansler
Saturday, February 8, 1936
Chansler on duty at the ladder. A large school of fish still at the lower edge of the dam, but they seem content to just lie there. Only an occansional jump but none of them attempted to go through ladder.
There are several hanging back against the dam, on the upper side, but all of them appear to be spawned out.
The water is low and very clear below the dam, I think none of them are near ripe as they apparently are in no hurry to get up stream.
Water some lower, very clear. Weather, fog
A.M.-clear P.M.
W 43-43-45
A 36-40-50
C.W.Chansler
Sunday, February 9, 1936
Chansler on duty at ladder. Very few fish in sight in the stream and none are attempting to pass through the ladder.
Water very low and clear.
Weather partly cloudy.
W 43-43-45
A 35-39-51
C.W.Chansler
Monday, February 10, 1936
Chansler on duty at the fish ladder but no fish attempting to pass through ladder, though a few of them started jumping below the dam, toward late evening. Not very many appear in stream. Water low, clear.
Weather showers.
W 43-44-45
A 41-47-51
C.W.Chansler
Tuesday, February 11, 1936
Chansler on duty at fish ladder. A real good rain that raised the river and muddied the water, has started the fish to moving. A good number of them passed through the ladder but as the water became too muddy, it was not possible to use the counting board all during the day. The present run of fish is composed mostly of large ripe ones, heavier than previous runs.
Water higher, noisy.
Weather, rain last night and today, continuing late tonight.
W 44-45-46
A 50-54-55
673 count
C.W.Chansler
Wednesday, February 12, 1936
Chansler on duty.
Made two trips to the dam but unable to cross river to ladder on account of high water. The river is high, very swift and muddy, about seven feet of water going over the dam. Rained steadily all during last night and today, still raining at nightfall.
The temporary ladder is holding up O.K. so far
Bailed the water from "Kingfisher" and recued him from high water.
C.W.Chansler
Thursday, February 13, 1936
Chansler on duty.
made two trips to the dam but water too high to attempt crossing. About one-half of temporary ladder has collapsed, due to the high water. Ladder now out of commission and will be until water has lowered enough that repairs can be maid.
Sent wire to office, regarding ladder.
Water some lower.
Weather unsettled.
C.W.Chansler
Friday, February 14, 1936
Chansler on duty.
No work possible at ladder. Mr. Benbow has a crew of men at work, preparing a place for the ladder to be installed just as soon as the water lowers. He is very prompt in getting the work started.
Mr. Elliger at the station today. Water dropping slowly.
Weather unsetteled, showers.
C.W.Chansler
Saturday, February 15, 1936
Chansler on duty.
Made trip to Garberville, in morning, also at noon, for Mr. Elliger.
The crew of men at the dam are now doing excavation work getting the place prepared for the temporary fish ladder. It will be impossible to install new ladder until the river lowers. The water is now dropping very slowly.
River still high and muddy. Weather unsetted, with a steady rain falling at nightfall.
J.W. Cook stopped at station, on his way to Eureka.
C.W.Chansler
Sunday, February 16, 1936
Chansler on duty. At the dam to watch progress on ladder construction. The work has slowed some, as the river is raising again due to the heavy rain of last night.
Weather: rain.
C.W.Chansler
Monday, February 17, 1936
Chansler on duty. Made out the weekly report and went to the dam to watch ladder construction. The crew of men is still away on excavation work, with the work advancing as well as can be expected, due to water conditions Inspector Phillipps called and gave orders pertaining to the closing of the station.
Water some lower. Weather showers.
C.W.Chansler
Tuesday, February 18, 1936
Chansler on duty.
Gathered all stataion equipment and stored some in garage at Eel River Lodge.
Chansler departed for S.F. office station closed for season.
C.W.Chansler
