One of the most important attributes that North Central Washington has is 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 energy that local residents benefit from. Here’s a look at North Central Washington’s hydroelectric power creators.
Grand Coulee Dam
The largest and most famous of these structures in North Central Washington and the entire Pacific Northwest is the Grand Coulee Dam. The dam stretches nearly a mile long and is just over 550 feet high. The Grand Coulee Dam holds back water from the Columbia River, forming Lake Roosevelt in the process. Roosevelt Lake stretches for 151 miles behind the structure. One of the most popular things to do on the site, aside from touring it, is to see the laser light show that is displayed on its spillway every night during the summer months.
Chief Joseph Dam
Just downstream 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 wide and is the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the entire United States. Just behind, on the north shore of Rufus Woods Reservoir, is Bridgeport State Park, which provides excellent access to the water.
well dam
The next thing you see as you travel down the Columbia River is Wells Dam, which is located just south of the communities of Brewster and Pateros, and very close to where the Methow River empties into the Columbia. The pooled water behind the dam is called Lake Pateros and is popular with fishermen, both local and from outside the area.
rocky reach dam
Located just north of the city of Wenatchee is the Rocky Reach Dam. The water impounded by this facility is called Lake Entiat. The Rocky Reach Dam creates power used by more than seven million people in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can see the fish swimming upstream and downstream through the dam by visiting the Visitor Center’s fish-viewing area. The dam also offers a large playground with picnic facilities, as well as a cafe and beautiful landscaping. The Columbia Museum is located in the structure itself and is a great place for anyone who wants 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 the Rock Island Dam, which was built between 1930 and 1933. This unique structure is located just 12 miles downstream from Wenatchee, and the water behind it is called the Rock Island Pool. This area of the river was one of the wildest before it was damaged by rock formations and rapids, making it one of the most difficult and dangerous stretches of the Upper Columbia to pass by boat or barge. Rock Island Dam has 19 turbine engines and is a vital and important part of the electrical grid for the entire state of Washington.
Wanapum Dam
It’s quite a run down the Columbia before reaching the next dam. Wanapum Dam, named for the Native American tribe that resided in the area, is located just south of the community of Vantage and the Vantage Bridge, which is where Interstate 90 crosses the Columbia River and the central part of the state. There is a very interesting museum and visitor center on the premises, which is a popular stop for those driving through the area.
Priest Rapids Dam
Further downstream is the last dam in North Central Washington, the Priest Rapids Dam. Priest Rapids Lake is named after the water backed by the structure, and it now covers the rapids from which the facility gets its name. This structure was built in the late 1950s as a direct response to the 1948 Vanport Flood that occurred in the Portland, Oregon area.