Rocky Reach Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocky Reach Dam |
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| Location | Chelan / Douglas counties, Washington |
| Coordinates | 47°32′00″N 120°17′44″W / 47.53333°N 120.29556°W |
| Construction began | 1956 (Phase One) 1969 (Phase Two) |
| Construction cost | $273.1 million |
| Operator(s) | Chelan County Public Utility District |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Columbia River |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Lake Entiat |
| Total capacity | 382,000 acre⋅ft (0.471 km3) |
| Power station | |
| Turbines | 11 |
| Installed capacity | 1299.6 MW |
The Rocky Reach Dam is a large dam on the Columbia River in Washington, USA. It creates clean energy using the power of water. This type of energy is called hydroelectric power. The dam has 11 generators. Together, they can produce 1300 megawatts of electricity. This is enough power for over 7 million people in the Pacific Northwest. The dam is about 7 miles (11 km) north of Wenatchee. The water held back by the dam forms a lake called Lake Entiat.
Rocky Reach Dam is known for its efforts to protect the environment. In 2003, a special system was built. It helps young salmon and steelhead fish safely travel past the dam. This system is called a juvenile fish bypass. The dam also has newer turbines. These turbines are designed to be safer for fish. They also help the dam make electricity more efficiently.
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Visit Rocky Reach Dam
The Rocky Reach Dam is a great place to visit. It is located on Highway 97A, 7 miles (11 km) north of Wenatchee.
Explore the Visitor Center
The visitor center has many interesting things to see. You can watch films about the Columbia River. There is also a special fish viewing room. It is called the "Look a Salmon in the Eye" exhibit. You can see fish up close there from May to September.
Discover the Powerhouse Exhibits
The dam's powerhouse also has exhibits. You can find them on the fourth floor. These exhibits teach you how the dam works. They also explain how it creates electricity.
Building the Rocky Reach Dam
The idea for Rocky Reach Dam started a long time ago. Engineers first looked at the site in 1934.
Planning and Construction
The Chelan County P.U.D. (Public Utility District) began detailed studies in the 1950s. They found the best spot for the dam. Construction of the powerhouse began in 1956. The first seven generators were installed then. Four more generators were added starting in 1969. This made the dam even more powerful.
Dam Costs and Funding
The original cost to build the dam was about $273.1 million. This money came from special bonds. These bonds were sold by the PUD. The project cost included moving highways and railroads. It also involved buying land and moving the town of Entiat. The dam's electricity sales helped pay back the bonds. The dam is expected to keep operating until 2052.
How the Generators Work
The dam has 11 large generators. Seven are from Westinghouse, and four are from Allis-Chalmers. The turbines have adjustable blades. These are called Kaplan turbines. They can change to work well at different water levels. This helps the dam make electricity efficiently. Water flows through each of the first seven turbines very fast. It moves at 116,000 gallons (439,000 liters) per second. The other four turbines handle even more water. They move 145,000 gallons (549,000 liters) per second.
Images for kids
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The Rocky Reach Dam on the Columbia River.
