Upper Baker Dam
| Company type | Hydroelectric dam |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hydroelectric power generation, flood control |
| Founded | 1959 |
| Founder | Puget Sound Energy |
| Headquarters | Whatcom County , United States |
| Products | Hydroelectric power |
| Owner | Puget Sound Energy |
Upper Baker Dam is constructed across the Baker River located in the northern part of Washington, United States. It is one of two dams situated on this river, with the Lower Baker Dam positioned downstream. The dam plays a crucial role in flood management and hydroelectric power production.
Built by Puget Sound Energy and finished in 1959 as a component of the Baker River Hydroelectric Project, this concrete gravity dam measures tall and extends long. It possesses an electricity generation capacity of 91 MW. The reservoir created by the dam stretches upstream and contains of water.
Climate
The climate surrounding Upper Baker Dam is classified as mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb). This area experiences mild temperature variations, with average maximums ranging from 37.9°F during January to 75.3°F in August. Extreme temperatures have been recorded, reaching highs of 110°F in June and lows down to 0°F in January. Precipitation levels are substantial, particularly in winter months, with November receiving up to 15.97 inches of rainfall and snowfall averaging 13.1 inches in January. These weather patterns influence operational strategies and the durability of infrastructure for entities depending on the dam's services.