Begun in 1926, the dam and powerhouse became fully operational in 1929. The dam itself contains three sections; a non-overflow section from the west bank of the river to the headworks, 129 m (425 ft) long and 18 m (60 ft) high; a spillway section 396 m (1300 ft) from the headworks to an island upstream; and a second spillway section 152 m (500 ft) long from the island to the east bank of the river. The spillway sections determine the maximum head available at the powerhouse, which is 21 metres (70 ft).
The powerhouse contains three turbine-generator combinations capable of producing a total of 54 MW of power.
A complex near the South Slocan Dam site was constructed to house workers. The site contained railway spurs, maintenance shops, housing, and a recreation hall that hosted dances, films, a bowling alley and other leisure activities. Partially because of the amenities available this complex eventually became the operational control and maintenance centre for the five Kootenay River plants operated by West Kootenay Power and headquarters for power-line maintenance.
(Factual information from Virtual Museum.)
As we all know, West Kootenay Power is no more and this dam, as well as the Corra Linn, Upper Bonnington and Lower Bonnington Dams nearby are owned by Fortis BC.
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