[Transcript]
Skagit River Hydroelectric Project
For the next seven miles, we'll be driving through the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, an engineering marvel set in some of America's most spectacular scenery. The project consists of three dams, named Gorge, Diablo, and Ross. Along with their powerhouses, the dams were all built along the upper Skagit River.
Gorge Dam
Gorge Dam, which we'll see on our next stop at Gorge Creek Overlook, is about 300 feet or 90 meters tall. It was the first and smallest dam completed. By 1924, Gorge Dam began transmitting power to Seattle over 100 miles away. The original Wooden Dam was upgraded to concrete back in 1961.
Diablo Dam
Diablo Dam was built second, and it was completed in 1930. At 389 feet, it was the tallest dam in the world at the time, but it would be surpassed by the last and largest dam in the system.
Ross Dam
Ross Dam was completed in 1953. At 540 feet, it's nearly as tall as the Washington Monument in D.C. It's an arch dam, meaning it forms a horizontal arch from one side of the gorge to the other. The curve faces upstream against the reservoir, and this transfers the water pressure from the dam to the sides of the valley.
Pretty smart, huh? Three dams, three reservoirs. This ambitious project took over 40 years to complete and cost $250 million. Put together, these dams supply over 20% of Seattle's electricity.
The project not only generates power, but also provides flood control, downstream fish protection, and recreation. Hey, that's us!
Ready to take the tour? Check out Shaka Guide's North Cascades National Park Tour!
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For more detailed information to help you plan, check out our North Cascades National Park Know Before You Go article.