Eklutna Dam
Eklutna dam provides water and power to Anchorage but also completely dewaters a seven mile stretch of the Eklutna River. Many groups are working on a compromise to leave some water in the river so the salmon can return.
Summary
Project Name: Eklutna Dam - Upper
FERC Project Number: FERC non-jurisdictional
Water Body: Eklutna River
Region: Southcentral
Type of Project: Storage Dam
Status: Operating
Details
Primary User: Anchorage
Operating Utility: Anchorage Municipal Light and Power, Matanuska Electric Association, Chugach Electric Association
Licensing Process: Exempt from FERC Licensing
Nameplate Power Capacity (MW) : 47
Surface Area of Impoundment (acres): 3,250
Project Details: The dam is a 26 ft (7.9 m) tall and 555 ft (169 m) long rock berm and its crest is 875 ft (267 m) above sea level.
NOAA Fisheries Trust Resources: Sockeye, Chinook, coho, pink, and chum Salmon
NOAA Fisheries Area of Interest: We are working with the utilities, other resource agencies, and tribes to release water from Upper Eklutna so salmon can once again inhabit the eight miles of river between the dam and Thunderbird Falls Creek confluence. This process allows all parties to be in compliance with the 1991 Memorandum of Understanding.