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| Post Falls |
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Upper Falls Hydroelectric Development
Completed in 1922, Upper Falls was instrumental in meeting the growing demands of Spokane's industrial development. The project also helped power the area's electric streetcar system. Upper Falls is actually constructed on two separate river channels in the heart of downtown Spokane. The last project built by Avista on the Spokane River, the development includes both a diversion dam and a powerhouse.
The diversion dam is located on the main channel directly west of the Division Street Bridge. This structure is also known as the Division Street Control Works. It diverts water into the south river channel, past the Opera House and Carousel, and into the development's intake section just west of the Howard Street Bridge.
Here, via a large (18 foot diameter) underground penstock, or pipe, the water is directed downhill to the powerhouse. The water velocity and pressure pushes against the blades of a turbine, which rotate a shaft connected to a generator to produce electricity. This water is then returned, unpolluted, into the main river channel.
The Upper Falls plant is remotely operated, 24 hours a day, from the nearby Post Street Substation situated at the western edge of Riverfront Park. The entire facility is surrounded by Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World's Fair. The park offers visitors scenic views of the river and contains numerous recreational opportunities including open-air concerts, the IMAX Theatre, and a fully-functioning antique Carousel. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided "Viewpoint Tour" of Upper Falls by following a series of interpretive signs located throughout the park. Due to swift river currents, boating and swimming are prohibited by local City ordinance.
Development Information
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Location: On Spokane River in downtown Spokane. Surrounded by Spokane's Riverfront Park. The powerhouse is located approximately one-half mile downstream of the dam.
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Initial Operation: 1922
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Generating Units: 1 vertical Francis turbine
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Generating Capacity: 10 megawatts
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Length of Dam (Control Works): 300 feet
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Height Of Dam (Control Works): 35.5 feet
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Spillgates (Control Works): 22
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Normal Reservoir Elevation: 1870.5 feet
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Storage: 800 acre feet
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Minimum Flow: None - run of the river