Key Takeaways
- The Columbia River is tamed by a series of massive dams that serve various purposes like hydroelectric power generation, navigation, flood control, and irrigation.
- The Grand Coulee Dam, standing 550 feet tall, is one of the most iconic dams on the Columbia River and was primarily built for flood risk reduction and irrigation.
- The Bonneville Locks and Dam features a 1,450-foot wide controlled spillway that can discharge 1.6 million cubic feet of water per second and two navigation locks for vessel passage.
- Dams like the Wells Dam, Wanapum Dam, and Priest Rapids Dam primarily serve hydroelectric purposes but also provide irrigation, recreation, and flood risk reduction benefits.
- Smaller dams like the Eagle Lake Dam and Carty Reservoir Dam play important roles in irrigation and water supply for surrounding agricultural areas.
- The dams along the Columbia River and its tributaries are engineering marvels that have reshaped the landscape and enabled human communities to thrive in the Pacific Northwest.
The Columbia River, the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, has been tamed and harnessed by a series of massive dams that serve various purposes, from hydroelectric power generation to navigation, flood control, and irrigation. These engineering marvels stand as a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit of progress. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most significant dams along the Columbia River, delving into their unique features, histories, and contributions to the region.
1. Bonneville Locks and Dam
Kicking off our list is the Bonneville Locks and Dam, a gravity dam located in the city of Bonneville, Multnomah County, Oregon. Completed in 1938, this dam stands 56 feet (17 meters) tall and spans an impressive 2,477 feet (755 meters) across the Columbia River. Its primary purpose is to facilitate navigation, but it also serves recreational and hydroelectric functions.
One of the standout features of the Bonneville Locks and Dam is its 1,450-foot (442-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge a staggering 1.6 million cubic feet (45,307 cubic meters) of water per second during periods of high flow. Additionally, the dam boasts two navigation locks, each 675 feet (206 meters) long and 85 feet (26 meters) wide, allowing vessels to traverse the height differential created by the dam.
2. Wells Dam
Situated about 13 miles from Chelan Falls in Chelan County, Washington, the Wells Dam is a gravity dam that primarily serves hydroelectric purposes. Completed in 1968, this impressive structure stands 160 feet (49 meters) tall and spans 4,300 feet (1,311 meters) across the Columbia River.
One of the unique aspects of the Wells Dam is its 506-foot (154-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge up to 1.18 million cubic feet (33,414 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow events. Additionally, the dam provides irrigation, fish and wildlife pond, and recreational benefits to the surrounding area.
3. Grand Coulee Dam
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic dams on the Columbia River, the Grand Coulee Dam is a colossal concrete gravity structure located about a mile from Coulee Dam City in Okanogan County, Washington. Completed in 1941, this engineering marvel stands an astonishing 550 feet (168 meters) tall and stretches for 5,673 feet (1,729 meters) across the river.
The primary purpose of the Grand Coulee Dam was flood risk reduction, but it also serves as a vital irrigation source for the surrounding areas. One of its most impressive features is the 1,485-foot (453-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge a maximum of 265,000 cubic feet (7,504 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow periods.
4. Wanapum Dam
Approximately 76 miles from Richland, in Kittitas County, Washington, stands the Wanapum Dam, a gravity concrete rockfill dam completed in 1965. This impressive structure reaches a height of 93 feet (28 meters) and spans 8,639 feet (2,633 meters) across the Columbia River.
While the Wanapum Dam’s primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, it also serves recreational and flood risk reduction functions. One of its standout features is the 832-foot (254-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge up to 1.4 million cubic feet (39,644 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow events.
5. Priest Rapids Dam
Situated about 57 miles from Richland, in Grant County, Washington, the Priest Rapids Dam is another gravity concrete rockfill dam that primarily serves hydroelectric purposes. Completed in 1961, this impressive structure stands 90 feet (27 meters) tall and stretches for 10,103 feet (3,079 meters) across the Columbia River.
One of the unique features of the Priest Rapids Dam is its 1,152-foot (351-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge a maximum of 1.33 million cubic feet (37,803 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow periods. Additionally, the dam provides recreational and flood risk reduction benefits to the surrounding area.
6. John Day Lock and Dam
Located in Rufus, Klickitat County, Oregon, the John Day Lock and Dam is an earthen embankment dam that stands 118 feet (36 meters) tall and spans 5,900 feet (1,798 meters) across the Columbia River. Completed in 1968, this dam’s primary purpose is navigation, but it also serves irrigation, recreational, hydroelectric, and flood risk reduction functions.
One of the impressive features of the John Day Lock and Dam is its 1,252-foot (382-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge up to 2.25 million cubic feet (63,713 cubic meters) of water per second during periods of high flow. Additionally, the dam includes a single navigation lock, measuring 675 feet (206 meters) long and 86 feet (26 meters) wide.
7. The Dalles Lock and Dam
In the city of The Dalles, Klickitat County, Oregon, stands the aptly named The Dalles Lock and Dam, a gravity dam completed in 1957. This impressive structure reaches a height of 116 feet (35 meters) and spans 8,735 feet (2,662 meters) across the Columbia River.
Like many dams on the Columbia River, the primary purpose of The Dalles Lock and Dam is navigation, but it also serves irrigation, recreational, and hydroelectric functions. One of its standout features is the 1,441-foot (439-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge up to 2.29 million cubic feet (64,846 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow events. Additionally, the dam includes a single navigation lock, measuring 675 feet (206 meters) long and 86 feet (26 meters) wide.
8. Rock Island Dam
About 32 miles from Vantage, in Douglas County, Washington, lies the Rock Island Dam, a gravity dam completed in 1932. This impressive structure stands 71 feet (22 meters) tall and spans 3,108 feet (947 meters) across the Columbia River.
While the primary purpose of the Rock Island Dam is hydroelectric power generation, it also provides flood risk reduction benefits to the surrounding area. One of its notable features is its controlled spillway, which can discharge a maximum of 920,000 cubic feet (26,051 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow periods.
9. Rocky Reach Dam
Situated about 6 miles from Wenatchee, in Chelan County, Washington, the Rocky Reach Dam is a gravity dam completed in 1962. This impressive structure stands 118 feet (36 meters) tall and spans 3,820 feet (1,164 meters) across the Columbia River.
Similar to the Rock Island Dam, the Rocky Reach Dam’s primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, but it also provides flood risk reduction benefits. One of its standout features is the 600-foot (183-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge up to 1.2 million cubic feet (33,980 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow events.
10. Carty Reservoir Dam
Situated about 27 miles from Arlington, in Morrow County, Oregon, the Carty Reservoir Dam is an earthen embankment dam that stands 80 feet (24 meters) tall and spans 6,800 feet (2,073 meters) across the Columbia River (Cooling).
Completed in 1976, this dam’s primary purpose is irrigation, but it also serves other functions. One of its notable features is its spillway, which can discharge a maximum of 22,000 cubic feet (623 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow periods.
11. Eagle Lake Dam
Located about 7 miles from Basin City, in Benton County, Washington, the Eagle Lake Dam is a gravity earth dam that stands just 8 feet (2 meters) tall and spans 300 feet (91 meters) across the Columbia River-Offstream.
Completed in 1955, this modest dam’s primary purpose is irrigation. While it may not be as impressive as some of the larger dams on the Columbia River, the Eagle Lake Dam serves an important role in the region’s agricultural industry.
12. Oxbow Dam
Approximately 100 miles from Lewiston, in Adams County, Idaho, stands the Oxbow Dam, a rockfill dam located on the Snake River, which is a tributary of the Columbia River. Completed in 1961, this impressive structure reaches a height of 145 feet (44 meters) and spans 960 feet (293 meters) across the river.
The primary purpose of the Oxbow Dam is grade stabilization, but it also serves other functions. One of its standout features is the 96-foot (29-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge up to 300,000 cubic feet (8,495 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow events.
13. Minidoka Dam
Located about 6 miles from Rupert, in Minidoka County, Idaho, the Minidoka Dam is an earthen embankment dam that stands 88 feet (27 meters) tall and spans 670 feet (204 meters) across the Snake River, a major tributary of the Columbia River. Completed in 1906, this dam’s primary purpose is to serve as a fish and wildlife pond, but it also provides recreational, hydroelectric, and water supply benefits to the surrounding area.
One of the notable features of the Minidoka Dam is its 2,142-foot (653-meter) wide controlled spillway, which can discharge up to 40,552 cubic feet (1,148 cubic meters) of water per second during high flow periods.
Final Words
These dams along the Columbia River and its tributaries are not only impressive engineering feats but also serve vital roles in the region’s economy, agriculture, and overall well-being. From facilitating navigation and hydroelectric power generation to providing flood control, irrigation, and recreational opportunities, these structures have reshaped the landscape and enabled human communities to thrive in the Pacific Northwest.
As we marvel at the grandeur and functionality of these dams, it’s essential to recognize the hard work, dedication, and vision of the engineers, designers, and construction workers who brought these projects to life. Their efforts have left an indelible mark on the region, and their legacy will continue to shape the future of the Columbia River and the communities it sustains.
FAQ
- What is the primary purpose of the Grand Coulee Dam? The Grand Coulee Dam’s primary purpose was flood risk reduction, but it also serves as a vital irrigation source for the surrounding areas.
- How wide is the controlled spillway of the Bonneville Locks and Dam? The Bonneville Locks and Dam features an impressive 1,450-foot wide controlled spillway that can discharge up to 1.6 million cubic feet of water per second.
- Which dam on the Columbia River is primarily used for navigation? The John Day Lock and Dam, located in Rufus, Klickitat County, Oregon, is an earthen embankment dam whose primary purpose is navigation.
- What are the other purposes served by dams like the Wells Dam and Rocky Reach Dam? While the primary purpose of the Wells Dam and Rocky Reach Dam is hydroelectric power generation, they also provide irrigation, fish and wildlife pond, recreation, and flood risk reduction benefits.
- Are there any dams on the Columbia River specifically built for grade stabilization? Yes, the Oxbow Dam, located in Adams County, Idaho, on the Snake River (a tributary of the Columbia River), was primarily built for grade stabilization purposes.