Diablo Dam

Diablo dam

Diablo Dam is one of three dams along the upper Skagit River in Whatcom County, Washington and part of the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project that supplies Seattle with a large proportion of its power needs. Work was begun in 1917 on a six-mile tunnel through Diablo Canyon and subsequent construction of a powerhouse. Work crews had to overcome extreme weather and mountain conditions, while Seattle City Light officials had to deal with politics and diplomacy. The dam was completed in 1930, and began generating electricity in 1936.^[1]

The result was a power-generating dam that holds a reservoir known as Diablo Lake. At the time it was completed, Diablo Dam, at 389 feet, was the tallest dam in the world.^[2] Water from the dam operates two main generators, each with a capacity of 64.5 MW.^[3]

Diablo Lake

The lake is home to rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and the federally threatened bull trout. It is a popular recreational spot for kayakers and canoeists. The unique, intense turquoise hue of the lake's water is attributed to the surrounding glaciers that grind rocks into a fine powder that is carried into the lake through creeks. That fine powder stays suspended in the lake, giving the water its brilliant color.

180° panorama from the top of Diablo Dam, Diablo Lake, Washington as seen on an early September afternoon.

Coordinates: 48°42′51″N 121°07′52″W / 48.7143°N 121.1312°W / 48.7143; -121.1312

References

1. ^ "Power Generation: Skagit Project - Diablo Dam". City of Seattle. http://www.seattle.gov/cityarchives/Exhibits/Photos/panel4_sub1img7.htm. Retrieved 6 January 2011.  Includes construction photos.
2. ^ "Washington State Tourism Diablo Dam/Lake". http://www.experiencewa.com/attraction.aspx?id=306. Retrieved 2009-09-05. 
3. ^ "City Light Projects Harness Powerful Skagit River After Long, Hard Struggle". http://www.skagitriverhistory.com/PDF-BIN/Concrete%20Herald/1951-06-21%20City%20Light%20Projects.pdf. Retrieved 2009-09-05.