John C. Boyle Dam

John C. Boyle Dam

John C. Boyle Dam, floodgate open.
Location Klamath County, Oregon, USA
Coordinates 42°07′25″N 122°02′54″W / 42.123476°N 122.048345°WCoordinates: 42°07′25″N 122°02′54″W / 42.123476°N 122.048345°W
Construction began 1956-58
Dam and spillways
Impounds Klamath River
Height 68 feet
Length 714.3 feet

The John C. Boyle Dam is a hydroelectric dam located in southern Oregon, United States.[1] It is on the upper Klamath River, south (downstream) of Keno, and about 12 miles north of the California border.[2] Originally developed and known as Big Bend, the John C. Boyle dam and powerhouse complex was re-dedicated to honor the pioneer hydroelectric engineer who was responsible for the design of virtually all of the Klamath Hydroelectric Project.[3]

The Boyle Diversion Dam includes several sections (earth-fill, concrete gravity, intake and spillway) that combine to form an overall crest length of 714.3 feet with a height of 68 feet. The concrete spillway portion contains three gates and forms the John C. Boyle Reservoir. Fish screens, fish ladder, and related features are also present at the site.[4]

The dam produces power at peak times, meaning sometimes it produces electricity and returns water to the river; other times only a small amount of water is returned to the river. This causes a "bathtub" ring effect downstream of the plant's turbines.

The John C. Boyle Dam is one of four on the Klamath River that would be removed under the Klamath Economic Restoration Act.[5]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to John C. Boyle Dam.

References

  1. ↑ "John C. Boyle Dam". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  2. ↑ http://www.pelicannetwork.net/salmon.boyle.htm
  3. ↑ http://newwww.pacificorp.com/File/File35389.pdf
  4. ↑ http://newwww.pacificorp.com/File/File35389.pdf
  5. ↑ Chris Lehman Clock Ticking For Klamath Dams Oregon Public Broadcasting, Feb. 4, 2010.