# Wells Dam

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**Wells Dam** is a [hydroelectric](/source/Hydroelectricity) [embankment dam](/source/Embankment_dam) located on the [Columbia River](/source/Columbia_River), downstream from the confluence of the [Okanogan River](/source/Okanogan_River), [Methow River](/source/Methow_River), and the Columbia River in [Washington state](/source/Washington_(state)). The dam, associated structures, and machinery make up the Wells Hydroelectric Project. It is owned and operated by [Douglas County Public Utility District](/source/Douglas_County_Public_Utility_District).

It has produced electricity since August 22, 1967. Its operating license from the US [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission](/source/Federal_Energy_Regulatory_Commission) is next up for renewal in 2052.[6] The Wells project has ten generating units rated at a combined 855.2 megawatts.[3] In addition to the Douglas County and Okanogan County public utility districts, the project provides electricity to [Puget Sound Energy](/source/Puget_Sound_Energy), [Portland General Electric](/source/Portland_General_Electric), [PacifiCorp](/source/PacifiCorp), [Avista Corporation](/source/Avista_Corporation),[7] and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.[8]

Its reservoir is named [Lake Pateros](/source/Lake_Pateros). Just below and adjacent is [Carpenter Island](/source/Carpenter_Island) boat launch and fish hatchery river access. Lake Pateros is not deep but a high volume of water moves through it. Thus, low-head, high-volume [Kaplan turbine](/source/Kaplan_turbine) runners drive generation.[9]

## Hydroelectric power capacity

Generator Nameplate Capacity (MW)[3] U-1 77.4 U-2 89.0 U-3 89.0 U-4 89.0 U-5 89.0 U-6 89.0 U-7 89.0 U-8 77.4 U-9 77.4 U-10 89.0 Total 855.2

## See also

- [List of dams in the Columbia River watershed](/source/List_of_dams_in_the_Columbia_River_watershed)

## References

1. ["Wells Project License"](https://douglaspud.org/environmental-stewardship/for-regulatory-agencies/wells-project-license/). *Douglas County PUD*. Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County. Retrieved 21 March 2026.

1. ["Wells Project"](https://douglaspud.org/about-us/wells-project/). *Douglas County PUD*. Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County. Retrieved 21 March 2026.

1. ["January 2026: EIA 860M"](https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia860m/xls/january_generator2026.xlsx). *Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory*. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved 21 March 2026.

1. ["2024: EIA-923"](https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/eia923/archive/xls/f923_2024.zip). *Form EIA-923 detailed data with previous form data*. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Retrieved 21 March 2026.

1. ["Property ID: 710488 Wells Dam Hydrocombine"](https://wisaard.dahp.wa.gov/Resource/679770/PropertyInventory/1611432). *WISAARD*. Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Retrieved 27 March 2026.

1. Christine Pratt (2013-05-30). ["Wells Dam gets new 40-year license"](http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2012/nov/13/wells-dam-gets-new-40-year-license/). *The Wenatchee World*. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

1. ["Wells Hydroelectric Project"](https://fwee.org/wells-hydroelectric-project/). Foundation for Water & Energy Education. Retrieved December 18, 2021.

1. ["How the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Balance Hydropower and Natural Resource Protection"](https://hydroleadermagazine.com/cody-desautel-how-the-confederated-tribes-of-the-colville-reservation-balance-hydropower-and-natural-resource-protection/). Hydro Leader. December 14, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.

1. ["Wells Dam Rehabilitation Project"](https://www.toshiba.com/taes/services/hydro-turbine-generator-services/rehabilitation-technologies/wells-dam-rehabilitation-project). Toshiba America Energy Systems Corp. Retrieved May 31, 2018.

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