Ice Harbor Dam

Definition

Ice Harbor Dam is a concrete gravity dam located on the Snake River in Washington State, primarily designed for hydroelectric power generation. It plays a vital role in managing water flow, providing flood control, and enhancing navigation along the river. The dam is part of a series of dams that support the Columbia Basin's irrigation and energy needs, showcasing the importance of hydroelectric infrastructure in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ice Harbor Dam was completed in 1962 and is one of the four dams built on the lower Snake River to improve navigation and hydroelectric generation.
2. The dam has an installed capacity of approximately 600 megawatts, providing electricity to thousands of homes and businesses in the region.
3. Ice Harbor Dam features a fish ladder that helps salmon and other fish species navigate past the dam during their spawning migrations.
4. The construction of Ice Harbor Dam played a significant role in reducing flood risks along the Snake River by controlling water levels.
5. The reservoir created by Ice Harbor Dam, known as Ice Harbor Lake, provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Review Questions

• How does Ice Harbor Dam contribute to hydroelectric power generation in Washington State?
  • Ice Harbor Dam significantly contributes to hydroelectric power generation by harnessing the flow of the Snake River. With an installed capacity of around 600 megawatts, it produces substantial electricity that supports homes and businesses in the area. This energy production is crucial for meeting the region's growing demand for renewable energy while also playing a role in flood control and irrigation.
• What are some ecological considerations taken into account during the construction and operation of Ice Harbor Dam?
  • Ecological considerations for Ice Harbor Dam include the implementation of a fish ladder designed to assist salmon and other migratory fish species in navigating past the dam. This feature aims to mitigate potential impacts on local fish populations caused by barrier effects of the dam. Additionally, monitoring programs are often established to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems affected by changes in water flow and temperature due to dam operations.
• Evaluate the impact of Ice Harbor Dam on local communities and industries surrounding the Snake River.
  • The impact of Ice Harbor Dam on local communities and industries has been multifaceted. On one hand, it has provided significant benefits such as reliable hydroelectric power, improved navigation for shipping, and increased recreational opportunities through Ice Harbor Lake. However, it has also posed challenges like altered river ecosystems and potential displacement of communities due to reservoir creation. Balancing these factors continues to shape discussions around water resource management in the region.

Related terms

Hydroelectric Power: Energy generated by harnessing the power of flowing or falling water, often produced at large dams.

Columbia Basin Project:

A major water resource development initiative that includes dams and irrigation systems designed to support agriculture and energy production in the Columbia River Basin.

Turbine: A mechanical device that converts the energy from flowing water into electrical energy, commonly used in hydroelectric power plants.