One of the most important attributes North Central Washington has are the many hydroelectric dams located there. These dams contribute to the wonderful agricultural possibilities in the area, the fabulous amount of water recreation available there, and the affordable power that the local residents benefit from. Here is a look at the hydroelectric power creators of North Central Washington.
Grand Coulee Dam
The largest and most famous of these structures in North Central Washington, and the entire Pacific Northwest, is Grand Coulee Dam. The dam stretches for nearly a mile in length and is just over 550 feet tall. Grand Coulee Dam impounds the water of the Columbia River, forming Lake Roosevelt in the process. Lake Roosevel stretches for 151 miles behind the structure. One of the most popular things to do at the site, besides touring it, is watching the laser light show that is shown on it’s spillway nightly through the summer months.
Chief Joseph Dam
Just downriver from the Grand Coulee Dam is the Chief Joseph Dam which is located just east of the community of Bridgeport. This structure is just under 6,000 feet across and is the second largest hydropower producer in the entire United States. Just behind it, on the northern shore of Rufus Woods Reservoir, is Bridgeport State Park which provides great access to the water.
Wells Dam
The next one to see as the traveler moves down the Columbia River is Wells Dam which is located just south of the communities of Brewster and Pateros, and very near to where the Methow River flows into the Columbia. The water built up behind the dam is called Lake Pateros and is popular with fishermen, both local and from outside the area.
Rocky Reach Dam
Situated just north of the city of Wenatchee is Rocky Reach Dam. The water impounded by this facility is called Lake Entiat. Rocky Reach Dam creates energy that is used by more than seven million people in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can see the fish swimming upriver and downriver through the dam by visiting the fish viewing area of the Visitor Center. The dam also offers a huge playground area with picnic facilities, as well as a cafe and beautiful landscaping. The Museum of the Columbia sits out on the structure itself and is a great place to go for anyone wanting to learn more about the Columbia River, Rocky Reach Dam, Wenatchee, and the entire North Central Washington area.
Rock Island Dam
The first dam to span the Columbia River was Rock Island Dam which was built from 1930 to 1933. This unique structure is located ust 12 miles downstream from Wenatchee and the water backed up behind it is called the Rock Island Pool. This area of the river was one of the wildest before it was dammed with rock formations and rapids making it one of the most difficult and dangerous stretches of the upper Columbia to be passed by boat or barge. Rock Island Dam has 19 turbine engines and is a vital and important part of the power grid of the entire state of Washington.
