Wanapum Dam, Hydroelectric power station in Grant County, United States
Description
Wanapum Dam is an embankment dam spanning roughly 2.6 kilometers across the Columbia River that generates electricity through ten turbine units. The facility operates as a gravity dam, using water pressure to produce power continuously.
History
Construction began in 1959, and the facility started operating in 1963 without requiring government funding or tax support. The project was developed by a local utility company as a self-financed infrastructure initiative.
Culture
The dam takes its name from the Wanapum people, who have inhabited this stretch of the Columbia River for generations and maintain a living community nearby. Their presence shapes how the place is understood as more than just an engineering project.
Practical
A visitor center at the site provides educational displays and films about hydroelectric power generation. It is a good place to learn about the technical basics of the operation and observe the scale of the facility from different viewpoints.
Did you know?
In 2014, engineers discovered a small crack in the spillway that was traced back to a mathematical error in the original design. The subsequent inspection lasting several weeks revealed important findings about the structure's durability and safety.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Grant County).
The Gorge Amphitheatre
25.2 km
B Reactor
36.8 km
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
8.6 km
Iron Horse State Park
17.3 km
Yakima SunDome
50.6 km
Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies
10.1 km
Potholes State Park
48.6 km
Priest Rapids Dam
26.3 km
Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility
24.5 km
Whiskey Dick Mountain
25.9 km
Vantage Bridge
7.6 km
Fred G. Redmon Bridge
40.8 km
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
33.1 km
Olmstead Place State Park
39.5 km
Beverly Railroad Bridge
5.2 km
Priest Rapids
13.4 km
Capitol Theatre, Yakima
50.6 km
Vernita Bridge
31.6 km
A. E. Larson Building
50.8 km
William O. Douglas Federal Building
50.6 km
Umtanum Ridge Water Gap
43.7 km
Wanapum Lake
246 m
Central Washington State Fair
50.4 km
Masonic Temple
50.5 kmSentinel Gap
8.3 km
Powell House
50.1 km
Water Playground
50.4 km
Naches River Railroad Bridge
50.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes