Bull River (British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bull River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Rocky Mountains |
| River mouth | Kootenay River 49°28′N 115°27′W / 49.467°N 115.450°W |
| Length | 117 km (73 mi) |
The Bull River is a river in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is about 117-kilometre (73 mi) long. The Bull River is a tributary of the Kootenay River. This means it is a smaller river that flows into a larger one.
The Kootenay River then flows into the Columbia River. So, the Bull River is part of the much larger Columbia River basin. A river basin is all the land where water drains into a specific river.
Contents
Where Does the Bull River Flow?
The Bull River starts high up in the Rocky Mountains. This area is close to the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a giant ridge that separates which ocean rivers will flow into.
From its source, the Bull River flows mostly south and west. It eventually joins the Kootenay River. This meeting point is located east of a town called Cranbrook.
What is the Aberfeldie Dam?
The Aberfeldie Dam is a special kind of power plant built on the Bull River. It is called a "run-of-the-river" powerhouse. This means it uses the natural flow of the river to make electricity, without needing a huge reservoir.
Building the Dam
The first Aberfeldie Dam was built in 1922. Later, a new and taller dam was constructed in 1953. This newer dam stands about 27 meters (89 feet) tall.
Who Operates the Dam?
The dam is operated by BC Hydro. This is a company that provides electricity to homes and businesses in British Columbia.
Making More Power
In 2009, the Aberfeldie Dam went through a big upgrade. This project cost about $95 million. The upgrade helped the dam make much more electricity. Its power output increased from 5 megawatts to 24 megawatts. This means it can now power many more homes!
