Stay smart around dams.
Our eight hydroelectric facilities in Washington, Idaho and Montana produce about 900 megawatts of clean, economical electricity. And that’s just the beginning of the good they do. They also help control flooding and create many of the recreational opportunities our region is famous for: boating, swimming, waterskiing and fishing.
Still, dams present potential danger and we want you to know how to stay safe around them.
Here are some things you should keep in mind:
- Always wear a lifejacket on the water.
- Obey all safety and warning signs.
- Never fish, play or anchor your boat below a dam. Sudden discharges can increase water flows in a hurry.
- Don’t cross the boater safety cable above a dam. The current could pull you through a spill gate or drag you under water near a powerhouse.
- Watch overhead clearances like cables and power lines when sailing.

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