Hydroelectric Information for Columbia and Snake River Projects

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Bonneville Dam - General Information

Image Source: USACE Digital Visual Library

Dam: Bonneville Dam. Columbia River. River Mile 146.1

Constructed: 1938 (second powerhouse completed in 1982)

Owner: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District

Full Forebay: 77.0 feet

Normal Forebay: 71.5 - 76.5 feet

First Powerhouse Capacity:

Nameplate capacity: 2 @ 43 MW, 8 @ 54 MW, 518 MW total

Overload capacity: 2 @ 47 MW, 8 @ 60 MW, 574 MW total

Station service units: 1 @ 4 MW, 4 MW total

Hydraulic capacity: 136 kcfs

Second Powerhouse Capacity:

Nameplate capacity: 8 @ 66.5 MW, 532 MW total

Overload capacity: 8 @ 76.5 MW, 612 MW total

Fishway units capacity: 2 @ 13.1 MW, 26.2 MW total

Hydraulic capacity: 152 kcfs

Spillway ¹: 1450 feet, 18 gates

• Visitor Information: see Bonneville Dam Visitor Center Tour Info page, USACE Portland District
• USACE Portland District web page for Bonneville Dam information.
• USACE Hydroelectric Design Center for detailed hydroplant (pdf) information.