Thompson Falls - Dry Channel Dam is a captivating hydroelectric structure located in Sanders County, Montana, along the Clark Fork River and Pend Oreille River.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1915, this gravity dam stands at a height of 43 feet and has a length of 448.83 feet, providing crucial water storage with a normal capacity of 14,970 acre-feet and a maximum capacity of 24,450 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation and it is owned and operated by a private entity.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Thompson Falls - Dry Channel Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and 12 other controlled outlet gates to regulate water flow. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures. The dam's inspection frequency is set at three years, with the last inspection conducted in August 2018.
The dam's strategic location and historical significance make it a noteworthy site for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With its blend of engineering excellence and environmental impact, Thompson Falls - Dry Channel Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for power generation and water management in the region, highlighting the intersection of human ingenuity and natural resources in sustainable development efforts.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Length |
448.83 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
Clark Fork River, Pend Oreille |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
1580 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
21113 |
Nid Storage |
24450 |
Structural Height |
47 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 12 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
47 |
Prospect Creek At Thompson Falls Mt
|
472cfs |
Thompson River Near Thompson Falls Mt
|
688cfs |
St. Regis River Near St. Regis
|
1050cfs |
Clark Fork At St. Regis Mt
|
8870cfs |
Clark Fork Near Plains Mt
|
24400cfs |
Canyon Creek Ab Mouth At Wallace
|
73cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Thompson Falls State Park
|
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Gold Rush
|
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Gold Rush Campground
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Copper King
|
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Copper King Campground
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Clark Memorial
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