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Nine Mile Hydroelectric Development

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Nine Mile Development

Completed in 1908, the Nine Mile development (HED) was designed by the world-famous engineering firm of Sanderson & Porter, New York. Built during the peak years of Spokane's "Street Car Era," the plant was originally constructed to supply power to the 130-mile-long electric railway system of the Spokane & Inland Empire Railroad Company.

The development was purchased by Washington Water Power (WWP) in 1925. Between 1928 and 1930, a series of brick cottages was constructed just northwest of the dam to provide housing for WWP personnel. Today both the plant and the cottages are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Recent renovations at the plant include a new control room (1993), replacement of two of the four vintage turbines (1994), and restoration of several of the historic cottages (1996). Seven of the cottages have been leased at no cost to Riverside State Park for use by park rangers.

During spring runoffs, a spectacular view of the Nine Mile spillway can be obtained from the Charles Road Bridge, located just north of the dam. Containing more than 7,600 acres, Riverside State Park surrounds much of the Nine Mile development and provides recreators with camping, boating, hiking, and equestrian trail-riding opportunities.

Development Information

  • Location: On Spokane River in Nine Mile Falls, Washington 

  • Initial Operation: 1908 

  • Generating Units: 4 horizontal Francis turbines Horseback Riding Icon

  • Generating Capacity: 26.4 megawatts

  • Crest Length of Dam: 363 feet 

  • Height Of Dam: 58 feet 

  • Normal Reservoir Elevation: 1606.6 feet (Avista datum)

  • Storage: 3,130 acre feet

  • Minimum Flow: none

 

 
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