Round Butte Dam/Selective Water Withdrawal

The Round Butte Dam and Selective Water Withdrawal facility on the Deschutes River in central Oregon is owned by the Portland General Electric Corporation. This 280 foot tall structure stands in 270 feet of water and must remain fully functional in water fluctuation up to 20 feet.

The design of the structure also has to account for seismic loading, magnified by the internal and external water acting on the structure. The Selective Water Withdrawal system is responsible for regulating the downstream water temperature that will be conductive to migrating salmon and steelhead fish, along with capturing the migrating fish to truck them upstream where they can naturally breed.

Hot-dip galvanized steel provides a corrosion protection system that will protect the facility from the corrosive aquatic environment it lives in, and ensure the structure will require little to no maintenance during its life. In keeping with the nature-friendly mission of this facility, the 100% recyclable, natural zinc used in the galvanizing process makes HDG a sustainable solution. The use of durable HDG steel will ensure this facility remains strong to assist with the wildlife for years to come.