Sites 45CH01104 and 45CH00402 Determinations of Eligibility, Chelan County, Washington

This Master of Applied Science (MAS) project report assesses the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility of archaeological sites 45CH01104 and 45CH00402 near Wells Dam in Chelan County, Washington. Field investigations conducted in 2024 included pedestrian surveys, subsurface testing, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) analysis to gather data on site conditions and potential cultural features. Site 45CH01104 was characterized by pre-contact lithic and fire-cracked rock (FCR) scatters and is recommended as eligible in this report for the NRHP under Criteria A and D due to its association with Indigenous subsistence activities and its potential to yield important archaeological information. It is recommended that sites 45CH00277 and 45CH01104 be merged to one site based on shared cultural materials and spatial proximity. Site 45CH00402 was impacted by significant erosion and historical disturbances and lacked sufficient integrity and identifiable features to support eligibility under any NRHP criteria. Despite extensive investigation, the site no longer retains characteristics that convey its historic or cultural significance. The project results emphasize the need for ongoing site management and preservation strategies to safeguard the archaeological value of smaller sites, particularly for their ability to represent Indigenous history and subsistence patterns along the Columbia River.