Arrowrock Dam Built To Last

Written by: David Walsh

A spectacular but brief release of water flowed from five outlet valves at Arrowrock Dam Friday, Oct. 9 as Bureau of Reclamation employees, Arrowrock Dam water users and invited guests marked the 100 year birthday of the dam.BOISE, Idaho -- In 1915, Arrowrock Dam was once recognized as the tallest dam in the world. On Oct 9, Reclamation celebrated its 100th birthday. The 350 foot tall Arrowrock Dam still stands as a monument to the ingenuity, originality, and can-do spirit still found in the ranks of Reclamation employees to this day.

Here are a few of the unique features about Arrowrock Dam:

• A moveable crest drum gate spillway was a first for the U.S. Reclamation Service and was unlike anything done before.
• Ensign valves, used to pass water through Arrowrock Dam - an original Reclamation design. 
  
• Crowe Concrete Cableway Delivery System used for the first time at Arrowrock Dam to deliver more than 600,000 cubic yards of concrete to build the dam. It was invented by Reclamation Engineer Frank Crowe
• And 95 years after the initial construction, a powerplant was added by the Boise Project Board of Control

Today, Reclamation and water users are looking forward to another century of reliable water supplies and hydropower for Idaho's Treasure Valley.

Learn more at Arrowrock Centennial Website.

( l to r) Lee Juan Tyler, Vice Chairman Shoshone-Bannock Tribes; Bureau of Reclamation Regional Director Lorri Lee, Bureau of Reclamation; Snake River Area Manager Jerry Gregg; Idaho Lieutenant Governor Brad Little; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Vail; Layne Bangerter, representing Sen,. Mike Crapo's Office; Boise Project Board of Control Chairman Will Patterson; Mike Roach, representing Sen. Jim Risch's Crapo's Office; Travis Jones, representing Rep. Mike Simpson's Office

Early morning light fills the sky prior to the Arrowrock Dam's birthday celebration Friday, Oct. 9.

Published on October 13, 2015