Irrigation and Hydropower

You may see a small dam that channels water from the Wenatchee River into irrigation canals. This valley is very dry and the fruit trees here depend entirely upon irrigation from the river. 

Hydroelectric power is also one of Washington State’s most significant exports. From the Empire Builder, east of Wenatchee, we can see Rock Island Dam, the first dam to span the Columbia River. Construction began in 1930, and the first powerhouse came online in 1933. The dam will be on the train’s right about 15 minutes after we leave Wenatchee. At night, the dam is attractively lit.

A number of large hydroelectric projects have been built on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Eastern Washington. The most well-known is Grand Coulee Dam, less than 100 miles from Wenatchee. These projects supply clean electric power to the Western US and also assist in irrigation, providing millions of gallons of water each year to areas that otherwise would not support agriculture. In total, Washington state hosts nine federally owned and operated hydropower dams along the mainstream Columbia and lower Snake rivers. There are additional dams on tributaries like the Yakima River, upper Snake River, and other Columbia River feeders that also contribute to the power of surrounding towns and cities.

Columbia River hydropower system. (n.d.). Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/habitat-recovery/columbia-river-hydropower