The Robert-Bourassa
Hydro-electric generating station is one of the largest
in the world, with an installed capacity of 7,326
Megawatts.
Transformers
The Robert-Bourassa Dam.
This is the main dam holding back the La Grande River.
It is over 50 stories high.
A different view of the
whole dam.
Along one of the roads
that wind their way around the dam area, there is a
lookout tower which gives a great view of the dam.
You can drive freely just
about anywhere above and below the dam.
This is a view
of the dam from below. It is truly a huge structure.
The top of the dam. This
is one of the few places where you are not allowed to
drive. Probably because it's too dangerous. It's a very
steep long way down should you go off the road!
The upriver side of the
Robert-Bourassa dam.
This is a view downriver
from the top of the dam.
This is known as the
"Giant's Staircase". It is the overflow channel for the
La Grande River, and is used in case the river has to be
diverted away from the generators.
This is a view from the
top of the "Giant's Staircase".
The control structure that
holds back the water of Robert-Bourassa Lake. Yup, you
can drive across it and take a look around.
A view looking downriver
from the top of the dam. The water that is visible in
the distance is the La Grande River downriver from where
its water is returned to it after passing through the
hydro generating station.
