The Skagit River Hydroelectric Project is a series of dams with hydroelectric power-generating facilities on the Skagit River in northern Washington State. The project provides electrical power for the city of Seattle and the surrounding communities. Owned and operated by Seattle City Light, there are three major dams in the Skagit River. The Gorge Dam, Ross Dam, and Diablo Dam. The three dams are hydraulically coordinated to act as a single project and supply approximately 20% of Seattle City Light’s power requirements. Additionally, all three dams provide instream flow conditions favorable to salmon and steelhead reproduction and rearing downstream.

The construction of Diablo Dam was completed in 1930. At the time, it was the world’s tallest dam. Currently, the hydroelectric power capacity of Diablo Dam is 159.3 MW. In 2003, the Skagit Project was the first large hydroelectric facility in the nation to be certified as a Lower Impact Hydropower Project by the Low Impact Hydropower Institute.

Seattle City Light and Fire Protection Specialists trusted the Victaulic Vortex Fire Suppression System to protect Diablo Dam. As the world’s first hybrid water/inert gas fire suppression system, Victaulic Vortex can be used safely in turbine enclosures, control centers, industrial machine spaces, and flammable liquid storage areas. As little as 1.06 GPM (4.01 LPM) of water is discharged per emitter in turbine spaces.

Other fire protection systems can create hazardous by-products such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, and toxic vapor/gas that cause long-lasting environmental damage. The Victaulic Vortex system is 100% green and leaves no trace of chemicals in the air.

External Links

Diablo Dam, 1929-1932 (Part 1 of 3) Video