Blue Lake
Blue Lake is a high-head dam near Sitka, which was raised by 18 feet in 2015.
Project Name: Blue Lake
FERC Project Number: P-2230
Water Body: Sawmill Creek
Region: Southeast
Type of Project: Storage Dam
Status: Operating
Details
Primary User: Sitka
Operating Utility: City and Borough of Sitka, AK
FERC License Expiration: April 01, 2038
Nameplate Power Capacity (MW): 16.9
Annual Estimate Generation (GWH): 62.5
Surface Area of Impoundment (acres): 1,225
Project Details: 294 foot high, 256 foot long concrete arch dam; 7110 foot long power conduit. Blue Lake was first dammed in 1913 but damaged in 1943 and 1947. The original 50 year FERC license was issued in 1958. The project was relicensed effective April 1, 2008. This license was amended on May 30, 2012 allowing the dam to be raised by 83 feet, which was completed in 2015.
NOAA Fisheries Trust Resources: Chum, coho, and pink salmon
NOAA Fisheries Area of Interest: Water quality and quantity for habitat protection.