Ashton Dam renovations nearing completion

The Ashton Dam has been a source of hydroelectricity for nearly 100 years. So as you can imagine, over time, the dam has needed a little help in order for consumers to get the most out of the power it generates.

“We have made this investment to keep this energy resource operating,” said Dave Eskelsen, Rocky Mountain Power consultant.

A $20 million investment, to be exact. Renovations at the Ashton Dam are in their final phase after three long years of work on the 98-year-old dam.

“We’re now starting to rebuild the dam back up to the height that’s needed to hold back the water and make Ashton good for another 100 years,” said Eskelsen.

And while the dam may be almost a century old, crews said the electricity that it provides is hard to pass up.

“Hydroelectricity is renewable each year as the flows come down,” said Eskelsen. “It’s very cost-effective power for our customers, and it made sense for us to reconstruct this dam.”

During the project, the dam was closed to recreational use for safety reasons. But crews said once the project is completed by the end of the year, it will open back up.

“We also have a responsibility to make sure the dam provides a habitat for wildlife and also recreational use for people in the area,” said Eskelsen.

The Ashton Dam was built in 1914, making it one of Rocky Mountain Power’s oldest hydroelectric plants.