Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project
Puget Sound Energy's Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project, located about 30 miles east of Seattle on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, is one of the oldest hydropower plants in the United States.
After operating for more than a century, the facility still produces clean, renewable electricity for PSE customers. The project contains a small diversion structure just upstream from Snoqualmie Falls, and two powerhouses. Built in 1898-99, the first powerhouse is encased in bedrock 260 feet beneath the surface and was the world's first completely underground power plant. The second powerhouse, located a quarter-mile downstream from the falls, was built in 1910 and expanded in 1957. Together, the two power plants currently have 44 megawatts of generating capacity.
The project received a new, 40-year federal operating license in 2004. Under the new license, we are making substantial upgrades and enhancements to the power-generating infrastructure and public recreational facilities. This construction work is expected to continue into early 2013. Get updates and follow our construction progress. Or check out the recreational opportunities we offer at the facility.