Hoover Dam - Past and Present
I was looking through some boxes of pictures and was shocked to find these images of Hoover Dam. We made many trips to Hoover Dam. We would bring the kids and take them on a tour of the entire dam.
I remember one time I was looking over the edge closer to the Arizona side of the dam when all of a sudden, I saw an empty soda can going down the face of the dam. I couldn't believe someone would be so stupid to throw their soda can over the dam. I watched it take forever to get to the bottom. After all, it is light, and there were updrafts. Well, to my surprise, I found out it was my older son who threw that can over the edge. I was mortified!
The dam gets about 7,000,000 visitors a year. I have thoroughly enjoyed touring it every time we have been there.
Have Times Changed!
Never did realize back then (1986) that we wouldn't able to drive over that dam because of national security. I also would never have guessed that the water level would drop to the level it is today.
Hoover Dam is projected to drop one-third of its overall capacity by September of 2023. Check out the pictures below.
The image below shows the Las Vegas area and the Lake Mead water line back in 1984. The image below this one shows the same area in 2021. Notice how the Las Vegas Metropolitan area has grown and the Lake Mead area has diminished.
1984
2021
Water Line Comparison
The following two images were taken (coincidently) from about the same location, one in 1986 and the second in 2021. You can see the mountains and the intake towers. Rick is covering the closest intake tower. The lake was at about its fullest when I snapped this pic.
1986
2021
Power output is down 33%. Why? The water going through the penstocks (intakes above) is being pushed at less pressure. The turbines can't generate the same amount of electricity as they can when the lake is at full capacity with more water pressure going through the penstocks.
How Much Power Does Hoover Dam Generate?
Currently, the dam is generating electricity for 675,000 homes. At full capacity, it can generate enough electricity for 1 million homes.
About 50% of the power generated goes to California, while Nevada gets about 22%, and Arizona gets 20%. All I can say is continue to pray for rain and Colorado snowpack!
Fun Quote
The beaver told the rabbit as they stared at the Hoover Dam: "No, I didn't build it myself, but it's based on an idea of mine!" Charles Hard Townes
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