History
The generators were up rated from 60,000 kW to 86,667 kW in 1992 and 1993. Replaced the three single-phase transformers in FY-1996 and the 230 kilovolt cable in FY-1998. Also replaced the unit circuit breakers in FY-1992. In 2002, surge arresters were replaced in switchyard for new 230Kv underground cable and new governors were installed. In addition, cleaned trash racks and dredged river in 2002. In 2003 additional river material was removed. Guard Rail installed on access road to top of Dam in 2004. Replaced powerplant and transformer duplex strainers, replaced UPS system and Battery chargers for powerplant in 2005.
The Congress authorized construction of four storage units in the Colorado River Storage Project and 11 participating projects on April 11, 1956, under Public Law 485, 84th Congress, 70 Stat. 105. Additional projects have been added since the original legislation was adopted.
The Colorado River Storage Project provides for the comprehensive development of the Upper Colorado River Basin. The project furnishes the long-time regulatory storage needed to permit States in the upper basin to meet their flow obligation at Lees Ferry, Arizona, as defined in the Colorado River Compact and still use their apportioned water.
Plan
Generation of hydroelectric power for the upper basin and adjacent areas. The Morrow Point Powerplant chamber is tunneled into the canyon wall in the left abutment about 400 feet below the ground surface. The powerplant chamber is 231 feet long and 57 feet wide with a height ranging from 65 to 134 feet. There are two 86,667-kilowatt generators driven by two 83,000-horsepower turbines. The power penstocks consist of 13.5-foot-diameter steel lines in 18-foot-diameter tunnels. The Morrow Point Dam is Reclamation`s first thin-arch, double-curvature dam. It is 468 feet high, 52 feet thick at the base, and 12 feet thick at the crest. The dam has a crest length of 724 feet and a volume of 365,180 cubic yards of concrete. The generators were up rated from 60,000 kW to 86,667 kW in 1992 and 1993. Replaced the three single-phase transformers in FY-1996 and the 230 kilovolt cable in FY-1998. Also replaced the unit circuit breakers in FY-1992. In 2002, surge arresters were replaced in switchyard for new 230Kv underground cable and new governors were installed. In addition, cleaned trash racks and dredged river in 2002. In 2003 additional river material was removed. Guard Rail installed on access road to top of Dam in 2004. Replaced powerplant and transformer duplex strainers, replaced UPS system and Battery chargers for powerplant in 2005. Replacing all 480V and 208V power panels in the plant , dam and visitor center. Changing old data logger to PLC trending and monitoring. Install a 230 Kv Line breaker in the switchyard. Western Electricity Coordinating Council, Rocky Mountain Power Area Western Area Power Administration, Colorado River Storage Project Management Center Conventional Below Ground 120,000 kW 173,334 kW 37 years 292,887,398 kWh 2007 396 ft Francis 1970
