Hells Canyon Reservoir, located along the Snake River on the border of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The reservoir was created as a result of the construction of three hydroelectric dams: the Brownlee Dam, the Oxbow Dam, and the Hells Canyon Dam.
Prior to the construction of the dams, the Hells Canyon area was home to various Indigenous tribes, including the Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, and Cayuse tribes. These tribes relied on the Snake River for fishing, transportation, and irrigation. The construction of the dams in the mid-20th century significantly altered the landscape and ecosystem of the area, leading to the flooding of large tracts of land and the displacement of many Indigenous communities.
The first dam to be built in the Hells Canyon Reservoir system was the Brownlee Dam, completed in 1958. The dam was named after Hells Canyon Reservoir, and it was constructed primarily for hydroelectric power generation and flood control. The construction of the Brownlee Dam flooded a large portion of the canyon, creating the Brownlee Reservoir.
The Oxbow Dam was completed in 1961, further altering the landscape of the Hells Canyon area. This dam created the Oxbow Reservoir, which extends upstream from the Brownlee Dam. Like the Brownlee Dam, the Oxbow Dam was built for hydroelectric power generation and flood control purposes.
The final dam in the Hells Canyon Reservoir system is the Hells Canyon Dam, completed in 1967. This dam is the tallest of the three dams, standing at over 700 feet tall. The construction of the Hells Canyon Dam created the largest reservoir in the system, known as the Hells Canyon Reservoir.
The reservoirs created by the Hells Canyon dams have had a significant impact on the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife. The dams have altered the river’s flow, temperature, and sediment levels, affecting fish populations such as salmon and steelhead. Efforts have been made to mitigate some of these impacts, including the construction of fish ladders and the implementation of fish stocking programs.
Today, the Hells Canyon Reservoir system continues to provide hydroelectric power to the region, contributing to the energy needs of communities in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The reservoirs also offer recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and camping, attracting visitors from far and wide to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Hells Canyon area.