Wells Dam
| Wells Dam | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Interactive map of Wells Dam | |
| Official name | Wells Hydroelectric Project[1] |
| Location | Chelan / Douglas counties, Washington |
| Coordinates | 47°56′43.44″N 119°51′57.6″W / 47.9454000°N 119.866000°W |
| Construction began | July 12, 1962[1] |
| Opening date | August 22, 1967 |
| Operator | Douglas County Public Utility District |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Columbia River |
| Height (foundation) | 186 feet (57 m)[2] |
| Length | 4,460 feet (1,360 m)[3] |
| Width (crest) | 169 feet (52 m)[2] |
| Spillways | 11[2] |
| Reservoir | |
| Creates | Lake Pateros |
| Total capacity | 331,200 acre⋅ft (0.4085 km3) |
| Power Station | |
| Turbines | |
| Installed capacity | 855.2 MW [4] |
| Annual generation | 3,502.38 GWh[5] |
Wells Dam is a hydroelectric embankment dam located on the Columbia River, downstream from the confluence of the Okanogan River, Methow River, and the Columbia River in Washington state. The dam, associated structures, and machinery make up the Wells Hydroelectric Project. It is owned and operated by Douglas County Public Utility District.
It has produced electricity since August 22, 1967. Its operating license from the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is next up for renewal in 2052.[6] The Wells project has ten generating units rated at a combined 855.2 megawatts.[4] In addition to the Douglas County and Okanogan County public utility districts, the project provides electricity to Puget Sound Energy, Portland General Electric, PacifiCorp, Avista Corporation,[7] and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.[8]
Its reservoir is named Lake Pateros. Just below and adjacent is Carpenter Island boat launch and fish hatchery river access. Lake Pateros is not deep but a high volume of water moves through it. Thus, low-head, high-volume Kaplan turbine runners drive generation.[9]
Hydroelectric power capacity
[edit]| Generator | Nameplate Capacity (MW)[4] |
|---|---|
| U-1 | 77.4 |
| U-2 | 89.0 |
| U-3 | 89.0 |
| U-4 | 89.0 |
| U-5 | 89.0 |
| U-6 | 89.0 |
| U-7 | 89.0 |
| U-8 | 77.4 |
| U-9 | 77.4 |
| U-10 | 89.0 |
| Total | 855.2 |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 "Wells Project License". Douglas County PUD. Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Property ID: 710488 Wells Dam Hydrocombine". WISAARD. Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Retrieved March 27, 2026.
- ↑ "Wells Project". Douglas County PUD. Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "January 2026: EIA 860M". Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- ↑ "2024: EIA-923". Form EIA-923 detailed data with previous form data. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved March 21, 2026.
- ↑ Christine Pratt (May 30, 2013). "Wells Dam gets new 40-year license". The Wenatchee World. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
- ↑ "Wells Hydroelectric Project". Foundation for Water & Energy Education. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
- ↑ "How the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Balance Hydropower and Natural Resource Protection". Hydro Leader. December 14, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
- ↑ "Wells Dam Rehabilitation Project". Toshiba America Energy Systems Corp. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
- Buildings and structures in Chelan County, Washington
- Dams on the Columbia River
- Dams in Washington (state)
- Buildings and structures in Douglas County, Washington
- Hydroelectric power plants in Washington (state)
- United States local public utility dams
- Dams completed in 1967
- Energy infrastructure completed in 1967
- Gravity dams
- 1967 establishments in Washington (state)