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These huge pumps lift the California Aqueduct over the Tehachapi Mountains.
Edmonston Pumping Plant, California Aqueduct, near Grapevine, CA (1986).
This dam blocks the Tuolumne River and floods Hetch Hetchy Valley.
O'Shaugnessy Dam, Tuolumne River, Yosemite NP, CA (1981).
Dams producing electricity create extreme fluctuations in river levels downstream.
Mokelumne River below Salt Springs Dam, CA (1992).
The pelton wheel, a critical piece of technology for harnessing water power, was invented during the California Gold Rush.
Plumas Eureka SP, CA (1991).
Water impounded behind dams is often carried miles down the canyon in flumes such as this, to secure a greater elevation drop for power generation.
below Salt Springs Reservoir, Mokelumne River Canyon, CA (1992).
Shasta Dam on the Sacramento River was one of the first major undertakings of the Central Valley Project.
Shasta Dam overlook, CA (1983).
The most massive dam in the world when built, Grand Coulee impounds and diverts the Columbia River in dry eastern Washington.
Grand Coulee Dam, WA (1980).
These reservoirs on the Skagit River generate electricity for cities in the Seattle area.
Diablo Lake, Ross Lake NRA, WA (1987).
This lake stores water from the White River for power generation, but in the winter when the river is frozen the lake is emptied.
Lake Tapps, near Sumner, WA (1989).