Bonneville Dam

Definition

The Bonneville Dam is a hydroelectric dam located on the Columbia River, near the border of Washington and Oregon. It was completed in 1938 and serves multiple purposes, including power generation, navigation, and fish passage, making it a vital component of the Pacific Northwest's energy infrastructure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Bonneville Dam was one of the first large-scale hydroelectric projects in the United States, significantly impacting regional energy production.
2. It has a total generating capacity of over 1,000 megawatts, supplying electricity to millions of residents and businesses in the region.
3. The dam includes a fish ladder that helps salmon and other fish species migrate upstream, addressing ecological concerns related to fish populations.
4. Bonneville Dam plays a crucial role in flood control along the Columbia River, helping to manage water levels and protect surrounding communities.
5. The construction of the Bonneville Dam also created recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding areas.

Review Questions

• How does the Bonneville Dam contribute to both energy production and ecological sustainability in the Pacific Northwest?
  • The Bonneville Dam generates significant hydroelectric power while also incorporating features like fish ladders to support ecological sustainability. By allowing fish to navigate around the dam, it helps maintain healthy salmon populations, which are crucial to the local ecosystem. This dual purpose demonstrates how modern hydroelectric projects can balance energy needs with environmental considerations.
• Evaluate the impact of the Bonneville Dam on local communities in terms of flood control and recreational opportunities.
  • The Bonneville Dam has a profound impact on local communities by providing effective flood control along the Columbia River, reducing the risk of flooding in surrounding areas. Additionally, it has created recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating, attracting tourists and enhancing local economies. These benefits illustrate how large-scale infrastructure can positively affect community well-being and recreation.
• Assess the historical significance of the Bonneville Dam in shaping energy policies and practices in the United States.
  • The Bonneville Dam holds historical significance as one of the pioneering projects in hydroelectric power development in the U.S. Its completion marked a shift towards large-scale renewable energy solutions during a time when electricity demand was rapidly increasing. The success of Bonneville influenced national energy policies by showcasing the potential of hydroelectric power as a reliable source of clean energy, paving the way for future investments in similar projects across the country.

Related terms

Columbia River:

A major river in the Pacific Northwest that flows through Washington and Oregon, serving as a key waterway for transportation and hydroelectric power generation.

Hydroelectric Power: Electricity generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water, typically through dams that convert the kinetic energy of water into electrical energy.

Fish Ladder: A structure that allows fish to navigate around obstacles like dams during their migration, ensuring the sustainability of fish populations.