Newhalem Creek Diversion Dam

A small run-of-river hydroelectric diversion dating to 1921, built to help power construction of Gorge Dam and the company town at Newhalem. Seattle City Light says the project has not operated consistently since 2010 and is currently not operational because of tunnel leaks, maintenance needs, and landslide-related access problems. In January 2022, City Light filed to decommission the facility. ([seattle.gov](https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/energy/power-supply-and-delivery/hydroelectric-resources/newhalem-creek-hydroelectric-project)) - **Why it stayed:** the utility's decommissioning plan would remove the dam and headworks, but retain the powerhouse and penstock for historic interpretation. ([seattle.gov](https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/energy/power-supply-and-delivery/hydroelectric-resources/newhalem-creek-hydroelectric-project)) - **Historic note:** the project is part of a National Register-listed historic district. ([seattle.gov](https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/energy/power-supply-and-delivery/hydroelectric-resources/newhalem-creek-hydroelectric-project?utm_source=openai)) - **Further information:** - https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/energy/power-supply-and-delivery/hydroelectric-resources/newhalem-creek-hydroelectric-project

Newhalem Creek, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, near Newhalem, Washington, USA