When it was built, the Grand Coulee Dam was one of the most magnificent things ever seen. The high concrete dam that stretches between two slopes of central and northern Washington is impressive to see on a number of different levels. Today, the area is popular with those who come there and are interested in visiting the dam or the history of the project. It is also a popular spot even for those who want outdoor recreation. Regardless of why you go there, a visit to this fantastic property is a very worthwhile trip.
Here are five interesting facts about the Grand Coulee dam.
-The dam is 5,223 feet long, which means 17 soccer fields could be positioned from end to end.
- The original construction plans for the Grand Coulee dam predicted that it was a low profile dam. It has been transformed into a high dam as part of the effort to employ more people, produce more electricity and expand irrigation capabilities.
-The portion of the water retained in the Grand Coulee dam reservoir is located in Lake Banks, which is located on a plateau about 300 feet higher than the dam itself. The water is pumped up there through twelve pipes each measuring 14 feet in diameter.
-With the construction of the Grand Coulee dam, over 21,000 acres of dry land have been flooded behind it.
-The name given to the water sustained behind the Grand Coulee dam is Lake Roosevelt. It spans over 150 miles, just across the Canadian border.