History

Generator uprating for Units 1 through 7 were completed between 1984 and 1987 and Unit 8 was uprated in 1997. Each of the eight generators is rated at a capacity 165,000 kW. The unit circuit breakers were replaced in 2000.

The Congress authorized construction of four storage units in the Colorado River Storage Project and 11 participating projects on April 11, 1956, under Public Law 485, 84th Congress, 70 Stat. 105. Additional projects have been added since the original legislation was adopted.

The Colorado River Storage Project provides for the comprehensive development of the Upper Colorado River Basin. The project furnishes the long-time regulatory storage needed to permit States in the upper basin to meet their flow obligation at Lees Ferry, Arizona, (as defined in the Colorado River Compact) and still use their apportioned water.

Plan

Generation of hydroelectric power for the project. The Glen Canyon Powerplant, at the toe of the dam, consists of eight generators, driven by eight 254,000-horsepower turbines. Total nameplate generating capacity for the powerplant is 1,320,000 kilowatts. Eight penstocks through the dam convey water to the turbines. Generator uprating for Units 1 through 7 were completed between 1984 and 1987 and Unit 8 was uprated in 1997. Each of the eight generators is rated at a capacity 165,000 kW. The unit circuit breakers were replaced in 2000. Penstock recoating. Unit Penstock recoating has started. Two units will be done each year. Glen Canyon Powerplant is operating under the Glen Canyon Dam Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision. Which limits Glen Canyons? maximum and minimum generation/flow along with limits on up and down ramps. Western Electricity Coordinating Council, Rocky Mountain Power Area Western Area Power Administration, Desert Southwest Region Conventional Above Ground Francis 950,000 kW 1,320,000 kW 1964 43 years 3,454,846,789 kWh 2007 510 ft The Glen Canyon Dam is a 710-foot-high structure which provides more storage capacity than all other storage features of the Colorado River Storage Project combined. The concrete arch dam has a crest length of 1,560 feet and contains 4,901,000 cubic yards of concrete. The dam is 25 feet wide at the crest and 300 feet wide at the maximum base.

General