Wells Dam

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.

Official nameWells Hydroelectric Project^[1]

LocationChelan / Douglas counties, Washington

Coordinates47°56′43.44″N 119°51′57.6″W

ConstructionbeganJuly 12, 1962^[1]

Quick facts Official name, Location ...

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
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	10 Total MW[4] 7x 89.0 MW 3x 77.4 MW
Installed capacity	855.2 MW [4]
Annual generation	3,502.38 GWh[5]

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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]