Lower Baker is a captivating hydroelectric dam nestled in the picturesque Skagit County of Washington.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1927, this arch dam stands at an impressive height of 285 feet, with a storage capacity of 146,279 acre-feet. The dam not only serves the primary purpose of generating hydroelectric power but also offers recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy the surrounding area.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Lower Baker boasts a controlled spillway with a width of 240 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 54,000 cubic feet per second. With a hazard potential rated as high and a risk assessment indicating very high risk, the dam's emergency action plan is crucial for ensuring public safety in the event of an emergency. Despite its age, Lower Baker continues to be a vital resource for water and energy management in the region, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
Year Completed |
1927 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
285 |
River Or Stream |
Baker River |
Primary Dam Type |
Arch |
Surface Area |
2278 |
Hydraulic Height |
277 |
Drainage Area |
297 |
Nid Storage |
146279 |
Structural Height |
285 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 23 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
285 |
Skagit River Near Concrete
|
73200cfs |
Sauk River Near Sauk
|
16100cfs |
Skagit River At Marblemount
|
34400cfs |
Cascade River At Marblemount
|
2950cfs |
Bacon Creek Below Oakes Creek Near Marblemount
|
1340cfs |
Skookum Creek Above Diversion Near Wickersham
|
350cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Grandy Lake Campground
|
||
Howard Miller Steelhead Park
|
||
Howard Miller Steelhead County Park
|
||
Rasar State Park
|
||
Anderson Point Campsites
|
||
Horseshoe Cove
|