Creek and river powerhouses.

Donna and I always like to take some photos, as we travel, that might be of interest to my two brothers and our son...all electricians.

This is Hat Creek Powerhouse #2. It is an old one, built in 1920 by the Red River Lumber Co. and operated by PG&E. By 1945 PG&E had bought the plant outright. Water is received by a 4400 ft flume from the Hat Creek to a forebay then drops 400 ft through a penstock.

I met these workers in back of the powerhouse doing something with the substation. I explained my interest and they were more than happy to take a 10 minute break explaining the plant and directions to our next spot. Pit River powerhouse #1

           The Pit River Powerhouse was built by PG&E in the early 20's. Water from the Fall River (on the ridge above the penstocks) is moved through 1,150 ft. of "open cut" and a 10,160 ft. tunnel in the mountain with a 14 ft. diameter penstock of 1400 ft. lead to the powerhouse. (I am paraphrasing this from a website)

Although it's called Pit #1 the Pit River here is actually below the power plant and the water comes from the Fall River. The plant does empty into the Pit River so that may be the reason for the name.

Here is the outlet or generating building at the bottom of the penstocks.

This is the penstocks on top of the hill where the Fall River water starts it's downhill run to electricity.

My wife likes the insulators.