On top of the dam

The dam has had a lot of work done to it. A new system of metal barriers replaces the stop logs used in the past. Some of the old logs remain on the deck, covered in Zebra Mussel shells. The dam has four large spillways seperate from the hydro electric portion. Three large chutes tunnel water through turbines which power the generators which then feed the subtransmission lines leading back along the road. The water from the turbines seems tame in comparison to the raging waters flowing over the spillways, however in the summer and later part of the year the water emerging from the turbines will be greater than that released from the spillway.

The power station sits at the left, with the four spillways located to the right. The generators supply electricity at lower voltage levels to step up transformers which send out electricity rated at 44 000 volts. These lines, or circuits, then run along the double poleline away from the site towards urban areas needing the power.

One of the entrances into the dam's back bay clearly shows the reduced water level during the release of the spring melt. Looking upstream from the dam this location is immediately to the right of the dam. The water looks pretty tranquil from this perspective but the following picture shows the water as it hits the headwalls of the dam before it thunders down the spillway.

And the view from downstream of the dam - whitewater rapids.

Along with other views of the dam.

Looking downstream from the deck of the dam.

Lock beside the dam

The dam holds back water and forms some sort of barrier to the movement of boats along the river. Many moons ago there was a marine railway which moved the boats, held out of the water, from one elevation to the other. I imagine it was a slow and tedious process. The railway was replaced with a lock (#43) which empties and fills with water, as required, to bring several boats through the lock.

For more of our trip please click here to continue to the next page.