FIRST - Turbine in Operation on the Kootenay River
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T0SHEA
N 49° 27.776 W 117° 30.211
11U E 463514 N 5479041
This turbine runner is at an observation pullout at the Lower Bonnington Dam along Highway 3/6 at Bonnington Falls. From the pullout one may also view the dam and get a glimpse of the Upper Bonnington Dam, as well.
Waymark Code: WMNGVV
Location: Montana, United States
Date Posted: 03/14/2015
Views: 1
The turbine pictured was the first turbine, powering the first generator on the Kootenay River. It was put into service in 1898 and operated until being replaced in 1923, then two years later the old rock filled wooden crib dam was replaced with a concrete dam. This was the first dam along this 4.5 km stretch of the Kootenay River. Due to the steep gradient of the river here, another four dams and five powerhouses were built between 1909 and 1976.
The sign affixed to the turbine tells of the first hydro installation and the first transmission line leading from the Kootenay.
TURBINE RUNNER FROM THE ORIGINAL LOWER BONNINGTON HYDRO PLANT OPERATED FROM 1890 TO 1923.
This runner, Rated 1350 H.P. 34 Ft. Head at 180 R.P.M.
Provided Power for the first Generator on the Kootenay River for the Rossland mines. When first placed in operation Electrical Power at 22,000 volts was transmitted 32 miles to the mines, at that time the longest and highest voltage transmission line known.
Sir Chas. Ross of Bolnagown Scotland named the Kootenay River Falls Corra Linn. Bonnington Linn & Stonebyers after the falls on the River Clyde in Lanarkshire Scotland. The original Plant was later replaced by the present one in 1925
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