In 1980, under the direction of Robert MacRostie, the Deschutes Valley Water District began engineering studies for a hydroelectric facility above Opal Springs on the Crooked River. Construction was completed in March, 1985. The project generates about 32 million kilowatt hours annually. This power is sold to Pacific Power. Power sales revenues now pay property taxes once levied by the district.

CH2M Hill engineers and planners prepared the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license application and provided pre-design, design, and construction management services. The project included constructing a new powerhouse, raising an existing diversion dam 12 feet, and installing two 12.5 foot-diameter corrugated metal conduits. Water is transmitted about 1500 feet from the dam to the powerhouse. The conduits were cement mortar lined to reduce friction losses.

The new powerhouse encloses a 10 foot-diameter, horizontal tube-type turbine with adjustable blades that drives a synchronous generator. The project’s maximum output is 6,000 kilowatts.