The White Rock Powerhouse, situated alongside the South Fork of the American River, is available to tour during NHA’s upcoming California Regional Meeting in Sacramento (June 24-25).

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), the event’s host, is offering a full behind-the-scenes look at the White Rock Powerhouse, from the switchyard to the turbine floor. The powerhouse features all-new 230-kV SF6 breakers, a control system, and a CO₂ system disconnect.

At an elevation of 1,000 feet, the White Rock Powerhouse holds a unique perch above the South Fork of the American River, which flows 87 miles and drains a watershed on the western slopes of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE TOUR?

White Rock powerhouse directly discharges into the Chili Bar Project (FERC No. 2155), widely known as the most popular recreation stream reach for whitewater rafting in North America. Attracting over 100,000 visitors a year, the South Fork American River possesses rapids ranging from class II (intermediate) to class V (expert) and supports numerous private rafting companies in the Coloma/Lotus area.

The White Rock Powerhouse, which is the main attraction of the tour, is part of SMUD’s Upper American River Project. The system consists of eleven dams and nine powerhouses – of which White Rock is the largest – that tap the upper tributaries of the American River drainage in the Sierra Nevada for power generation.

The total installed capacity is over 688 MW, and it produces 1.8 billion KWh annually during an average rainfall year, which is enough electricity to power 20% of Sacramento’s electrical needs.

White Rock Powerhouse has served as more than just a powerhouse. During the Caldor Fire, which was a large wildfire that burned 221,835 acres in the Sierra Nevada during 2021 and forced the evacuation of SMUD’s Fresh Pond facility, the powerhouse also served as SMUD’s hydro maintenance headquarters over the course of the month-long event.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

California Regional Meeting attendees interested in signing up for the tour can learn more here.

If you need to update your RSVP for the tour, please reach out to Ellie Rubalow at ellie@hydro.org.