Eklutna Power Plant
The Eklutna Power Plant, also referred to as Old Eklutna Power Plant, is a historic hydroelectric power plant on the Eklutna River in Anchorage, Alaska. Located about 5 miles (8.0 km) downstream of the more modern new Eklutna Power Plant, it was built in 1928-29 to provide electrical power to the growing city, and served as its primary power source until 1956. The facilities include two dams, a tunnel and penstock, and a powerhouse. The main dam, Eklutna Dam, located at the northwestern end of Eklutna Lake, was built in 1941 to replace a series of temporary structures built after an earthen dam failed before the plant began operation. The diversion dam, a concrete arch dam, is located 7 miles (11 km) downstream from the lake, and provides facilities for diverting water into the tunnel. The tunnel is 1,900 feet (580 m) long, and is terminated in a penstock, a structure designed to raise the water pressure. The powerhouse is a concrete-and-steel structure completed in 1929.[2] The diversion dam removal was completed in 2018 to allow for the passage of salmon.
Eklutna Power Plant | |
Alaska Heritage Resources Survey
| |
![]() ![]() | |
Nearest city | Anchorage, Alaska |
---|---|
Coordinates | 61°27′30″N 149°20′24″W |
Area | 20 acres (8.1 ha) |
Built | 1929 |
Built by | Jasper & Stacey Company |
NRHP reference No. | 80000746[1] |
AHRS No. | ANC-118 |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP | June 20, 1980 |
Designated AHRS | October 10, 1976 |
The power plant was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[1]
References
- "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- "NRHP nomination for Eklutna Power Plant". National Park Service. Retrieved 2014-12-10.