Grand Coulee Dam

This picture of the Grand Coulee Dam was taken from Route 155 near the Visitor Center in Grand Coulee, Washington.  The Grand Coulee Dam began operation in 1942 with just the Left and Right Power Plants shown on each side of the Spillway.  From left to right the four main sections (nearly a mile in length and over 500 feet high) of the Dam are as follows: Third Power Plant, Left Power Plant, Spillway, and finally Right Power Plant.  The Third Power Plant was completed in 1974 to increase energy production to where it is now the largest electric power producing facility in the United States.  Hydroelectric Power is a clean renewable energy source created by water turning turbines into mechanical energy which in turn drives generators converting the mechanical energy into electricity.  Although not quite as impressive as the Hoover Dam, it does have its purpose.