Temperature Control Tower
The original intakes for the powerhouse and regulating outlet were deep and pulled water from the bottom of the reservoir which is much colder than the surface water. During the spring and summer, the release of unnaturally cold water into the McKenzie River reduces salmon migration and productivity. In the fall, the reservoir level is considerably lower and the warmer water from the surface enters the intakes and makes the river downstream unnaturally warm which causes salmon eggs to hatch several months too early. In order to help control the temperature of water discharged below the dam, the original intake tower was modified by adding a 302-foot (92 m) tall wet well. The wet well has three adjustable gates at various levels so that different temperature water can be mixed in the wet well to a desired temperature. The mixed water enters the existing regulating and penstock intakes. By controlling the temperature of the water released from the dam, the impacts on the McKenzie River are greatly reduced.
Read more about this topic: Cougar Dam
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