Wanapum Dam

Wanapum Dam | Priest Rapids Dam | Small Hydros | Advanced Turbines

Wanapum Dam is located on the Columbia River, six miles downstream of Vantage, 18 miles upstream of Priest Rapids Dam and 415 miles above the mouth of the river.

The dam was named Wanapum in honor of the band of Native Americans who lived and continue to live along a stretch of the Columbia River from Vantage south toward Pasco, Washington.

Wanapum Dam was financed by long-term revenue bonds that were retired through the sale of power. No tax money or government appropriations were used for construction of Priest Rapids or Wanapum Dams.

Dam Facts:

• Construction started on July 16, 1959.
• Power generation began July 15, 1963.
• The general construction contract was for $93,277,690.

8,320 feet long Maximum height from deepest point of excavation is 185 feet Spillway length - 820 feet 12 tainter gates each 50' X 65' - at the time of construction, these were the largest tainter gates ever built. 10 Kaplan type turbines are presently being replaced by Advanced Turbines 120,000 horsepower per Kaplan unit; 150,000 per Advanced Turbine. 85.7 revolutions per minute Nameplate rating of 83,125 kw per generator Total capacity – 1,038,000 kw Two fish ladders 23 square mile reservoir 95,000 square mile drainage area