Jackson Hydroelectric Project facts for kids
The Henry M. Jackson Hydroelectric Project, also known as the Jackson Hydro Project, is a special project that makes electricity. It is located on the Sultan River in Washington. The project is run by the Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD). It also works with the city of Everett, Washington.
The Jackson Hydro Project started making power in 1984. Its main goal is to provide clean energy from water (called hydropower) to Snohomish County. The project includes a main building called a powerhouse. Inside are two large machines that create electricity. There's also a special area called a switch-yard. This is where the electricity is sent out. Power lines then carry the electricity to homes and businesses.
This is the biggest power plant run by the Snohomish County PUD. The Jackson Hydro powerhouse can make up to 112 megawatts of power. That's enough electricity for about 53,200 homes! It provides 7% of all the power Snohomish County PUD needs. Most of their other power comes from the Chief Joseph Dam. This dam is in eastern Washington. The PUD gets this power through agreements with the Bonneville Power Administration.
Building the Jackson Hydro Project
The Jackson Hydroelectric Project was built in two main steps.
First Step: Culmback Dam
The first step was finished in 1965. Workers built the Culmback Dam. This dam created a large body of water called Spada Lake. Spada Lake is very important. It holds the water that the Jackson Hydro Project uses to make electricity.
Second Step: Raising the Dam
The second step was completed in 1984. The Culmback Dam was made even taller. It was raised by another 62 feet. This made Spada Lake much bigger. Its water capacity became four times larger!
Today, Spada Lake covers about 1,870 acres. Its normal water level is 1,450 feet high. Most of the lake's shores can only be reached by hiking.
