Morrow Point Dam, Hydroelectric power station in Montrose County, Colorado.
Description
Morrow Point Dam is a concrete structure that stretches 221 meters across the Gunnison River with a double-arch design rising above the riverbed. The facility uses two turbines to generate electricity while also managing the water flow that moves through the region throughout the year.
History
Construction began in 1961 with foundation work, and operations started in 1970 using two turbines each rated at 86 megawatts. The structure represented a breakthrough in dam engineering at the time, demonstrating new possibilities for the region.
Culture
The dam forms part of a recreation area where visitors can learn about water management for downstream communities. Local people have long depended on this water for farming and household use, making the structure central to how communities function.
Practical
Visitors can view the dam from the shore or participate in guided tours to learn more about how it operates. The best access comes through the national recreation area surrounding the site, where trails and viewpoints make the location easy to reach.
Did you know?
This facility was the first where the US Bureau of Reclamation successfully used the complex double-arch design. The engineering approach was so innovative that it set standards for future dam construction and inspired engineers worldwide.
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