Chelan

About Chelan

The primary purpose of Chelan is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Pud #1 Of Chelan County, Wa (public utility). It impounds the Chelan River near Chelan Falls (unincorporated).

The dam stands 66 feet tall and stretches 490 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 32,980 acres, has a storage capacity of 676,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 952 square miles. Completed in 1927, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/16/2022.

At 66 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.

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