Merwin Dam

{{Use American English|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox dam | name = Merwin Dam | coordinates = {{coord|45|57|24|N|122|33|18|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | image = | image_caption = | dam_crosses = Lewis River | res_name = Lake Merwin | location = Clark / Cowlitz counties, Washington, USA | operator = Pacificorp<ref name="npdp"/> | dam_length = {{convert|1250|ft|m|sigfig=3}}<ref name="npdp">[http://npdp.stanford.edu/DamDirectory/DamDetail.jsp?npdp_id=WA00149 Merwin Dam] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716112357/http://npdp.stanford.edu/DamDirectory/DamDetail.jsp?npdp_id=WA00149 |date=2011-07-16 }}, NPDP Dam Directory</ref> | dam_height = {{convert|313|ft|m}} | dam_width_base = | construction_began = 1929 | opening = 1931<ref name="npdp"/> | cost = | res_capacity_total = {{convert|422000|acre.ft|km3|sigfig=3}}<ref name="npdp"/> | res_catchment = {{convert|731|sqmi|km2|sigfig=3}}<ref name="npdp"/> | res_surface = {{convert|3921|acre|km2|sigfig=3}}<ref name="npdp"/> | res_tidal_range = | plant_operator = | plant_commission = 1931/1949/1958 | plant_decommission = | plant_type = | plant_turbines = 3 x 45 MW Francis-type, 1 x 1 MW<ref>{{cite web|title=Merwin Hydroelectric Project|url=http://www.pacificorp.com/content/dam/pacificorp/doc/Energy_Sources/Hydro/Hydro_Licensing/Lewis_River/Exhibit_A_Description_of_Project.pdf|work=Final License Application|publisher=PacifiCorp|accessdate=10 May 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807112523/http://www.pacificorp.com/content/dam/pacificorp/doc/Energy_Sources/Hydro/Hydro_Licensing/Lewis_River/Exhibit_A_Description_of_Project.pdf|archivedate=7 August 2012}}</ref> | plant_capacity =136 MW | plant_annual_gen = 511,534 MWh | extra = }}

'''Merwin Dam''' (also known as '''Ariel Dam'''<ref name="gnis">{{GNIS|type=retired|1511644|Merwin Dam}}</ref>) is a concrete arch gravity-type hydroelectric dam on the Lewis River, in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located on the border between Cowlitz County and Clark County. Its reservoir is called Lake Merwin.

On November 24, 1971, the dam was fully lit allegedly giving the skyjacker D. B. Cooper an identifiable landmark when he jumped from a Boeing 727 passenger liner. Cooper had ransomed 200,000 dollars from Federal Authorities after holding hostage the 727 and its passengers in Seattle.<ref>In Search Of..."D. B. Cooper" hosted by Leonard Nimoy, produced by Alan Landsburg c. 1979</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

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Category:Dams in Washington (state) Category:PacifiCorp dams Category:Hydroelectric power plants in Washington (state) Category:Buildings and structures in Cowlitz County, Washington Category:Buildings and structures in Clark County, Washington Category:Dams completed in 1931 Category:Energy infrastructure completed in 1931 Category:Energy infrastructure completed in 1949 Category:Energy infrastructure completed in 1958 Category:Dams on the Lewis River (Washington)