More on the Swan Falls Dam

I originally and erroneously reported that the Swan Falls Dam no longer was used for power generation. Steve Jung emailed me to let me know it has been in full use as a electric generating power plant since it was built in 1901. Depending on inflows it has the capability of generating 12 mws. It is still owned and operated by Idaho Power Company.

He emailed me again with the following details:

About 10 years ago the turbines at Swan Falls were upgraded to a more efficient turbines. The old part where the outdated turbines were have been made into a museum, and the new turbines are in a added powerhouse on the dam. Generation has always been produced at the Swan Falls dam, but perhaps the confusion lies in the fact that an "old" part of the dam where the outdated generators were no longer produce power.

More information:

• Idaho Power's hydroelectic generation
• Swan Falls in CJ Strike specifically

Turns out Steve used to work at the Swan Falls Dam as an operator back in the 1970's. I stand corrected. Thanks Steve!

Tags: [dam] [hydroelectric] [Idaho]