Maintenance project begins at Soda hydroelectric dam

Routine maintenance on the Soda hydroelectric project requires that Rocky Mountain Power lower the water level at Alexander Reservoir beginning July 30 for about four months while the work is completed.

The reservoir level will be lowered about a foot each day until the areas of the dam scheduled for maintenance are above water. The reservoir will be lowered about 15 feet to make the work possible.

Crews will replace the dam’s three spill gates. This work includes the construction of scaffolding at the dam. The project should be completed in late November.

During this time, the boat ramps that provide motorized access to the reservoir will be out of service, as they will not reach the water. The day-use recreation areas will remain available to the public, except for the site near the dam, which will be used for the project staging area. Also, motorized vehicle use on the reservoir bed exposed during the project is not allowed. Digging for or collecting historic or prehistoric artifacts in exposed reservoir shoreline area or on company lands is a violation of state and federal laws.