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Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project Upgrade
Renewing a renewable resource
The Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project, built in the late 1890s and expanded in the early and mid-1900s, is Puget Sound Energy's oldest power-generating operation. The hydroelectric project's public park and trails are one of the most popular scenic destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
In 2009, PSE began a major redevelopment of the Snoqualmie Falls facilities to ensure that they continue to produce clean, cost-effective electricity for centuries to come. The project entails substantial upgrades to PSE's power-generating infrastructure and major enhancements to the public recreational facilities at Snoqualmie Falls.
Committed to keeping you informed
PSE will continue to update the community on key changes and developments during the construction project. We aim to complete the work with as little disruption as possible.
Park access
- Major upgrades to PSE's hydroelectric infrastructure and to lower Snoqualmie Falls Park facilities are scheduled to last until fall 2013.
- Redevelopment of upper Snoqualmie Falls Park began in September 2009; improvements are complete.
- The upper park and its views of Snoqualmie Falls will remain open to the public throughout the redevelopment project.
- To ensure safety, the hillside trail between the upper and lower areas of Snoqualmie Falls Park, as well as the park's riverside recreational areas, are closed to the public until fall 2013.
Project illustrations and photos
View illustrations of the planned changes and photos of the construction work.
More information
Show construction schedule, fact sheets and news
Construction schedule
| Facility |
Begin Construction |
Finish Construction |
| Upper Park - redevelopment |
September 2009 |
Complete |
| Lower Park - redevelopment |
June 2010 |
Fall 2013 |
| Park Trail - redevelopment |
June 2010 |
Fall 2013 |
| Plant 1 - rebuild |
April 2010 |
June 2013 |
| Intake Structure |
April 2010 |
Complete |
| Powerhouse |
April 2010 |
June 2013 |
| Tailrace |
June 2010 |
June 2013 |
| Elevator/Penstock Shaft |
June 2010 |
June 2013 |
| Diversion Structure - rebuild |
June 2010 |
Complete |
| Historic Buildings |
Fall 2011 |
End of 2013 |
| Plant 2 - rebuild |
June 2010 |
March 2013 |
| Intake Structure |
June 2010 |
Complete |
| Water Tunnel |
August 2011 |
Complete |
| Gatehouse & Forebay |
February 2011 |
December 2012 |
| Penstocks |
March 2011 |
December 2012 |
| Powerhouse |
June 2010 |
March 2013 |
Fact sheets
Download these PDF files for more detail on PSE's Snoqualmie Falls redevelopment project.
Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project fact sheet
Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project Q & A
News
KING 5, May 27, 2010: Big changes coming to Snoqualmie Falls
KOMOnews.com, May 27, 2010: Snoqualmie Falls to get major upgrade