Dam Design and Construction

Glen Canyon Dam receives award from U.S. Society on Dams

Glen Canyon Dam receives award from U.S. Society on Dams

Glen Canyon Dam has received the 3rd International Milestone High Concrete Dam Project Award, which honors engineering achievements in high concrete dam technology, from the U.S. Society on Dams (USSD).

This award is jointly organized by USSD and the Chinese National Committee on Large Dams (CHINCOLD). Milestone projects are nominated and chosen by an international expert panel based on selection criteria, including implementation of outstanding technical innovations, good performance, environmental and social aspects, and local contributions of the project. Reclamation’s Hoover Dam received the inaugural award in 2011.

At 710 feet high, Glen Canyon Dam is the second-largest concrete-arch dam in the U.S. Glen Canyon is the key unit of the Colorado River Storage Project (CRSP) and its reservoir, Lake Powell, is one of two main storage reservoirs of the Colorado River system. Lake Powell can store 25 million acre-feet of water and serves as a “bank account” of water that is drawn on in times of drought to supply about 40 million people, irrigate 5.5 million acres of agricultural land, and generate electricity through a 1,320 MW powerhouse to supply an estimated 3 million people.

“This award recognizes Reclamation’s contribution to engineering excellence in the design and construction of large concrete dams and it raises awareness about technique, progress, and the strategic importance of dams and reservoirs,” said Reclamation’s Upper Colorado Basin Assistant Regional Director Katrina Grantz.

However, 23 years of drought amplified by climate change has left Glen Canyon Dam operating at its lowest elevation since Lake Powell was filled in the 1960s. The reservoir is at risk of dropping below the minimum power pool elevation of 3,490 feet, the lowest point at which the powerhouse can produce electricity. Reclamation is working with Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming on a drought response operations plan to help boost Lake Powell’s elevation by sending additional water from the upstream initial units of the CRSP. The plan is expected to be ready for implementation by May 2022.

Other recipients of this year’s award include the Jinping I and Xiangjiaba dams in China and Okutadami Dam in Japan.