About the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project

EWEB’s Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project is located 71 miles east of Eugene on the upper McKenzie River. Eugene citizens approved the project on April 28, 1959, and the project was completed and dedicated on Sept. 9, 1963 (photo at left).

Development of Carmen-Smith is perhaps the biggest example of EWEB’s long history of self-reliance and initiative that began nearly 100 years ago when the citizens of Eugene first decided to create a municipal water utility.

Carmen-Smith was borne out of a desire by EWEB and the citizens of Eugene to have more of a stake in their own power future. Rather than relying exclusively on outside sources to meet its future power needs, the local utility decided in the 1950s to undertake a major investment in shaping its own power future by locating and constructing a hydropower facility in the high Cascades.

Quick Facts Project includes 3 reservoirs, 3 dams, 2 water transport tunnels, 2 power houses Peak generating capability - 114,500 kilowatts Original construction completed in 1963 Project license expires in November 2008 Final License Application is due November 2006

EWEB sold $31 million in electric revenue bonds to finance the Carmen-Smith Project, which includes three reservoirs and two power-generating plants. The Carmen Power Plant generators combine with a smaller, single generator at Trail Bridge Power Plant to produce 114,500 kilowatts.

View the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project brochure (pdf).

Carmen Diversion Dam and Reservoir

The Carmen-Smith project begins just a quarter-mile below Koosah Falls, where water flows into the 30-acre Carmen Diversion Reservoir. There, the water is transported through an 11,381-foot tunnel into Smith Reservoir, a 170-acre impoundment on the other side of a mountain ridge. 

Smith River Dam and Reservoir

At the face of Smith Dam, a second tunnel transports water another 7,325 feet to a penstock, a 1,160-foot-long, 12-foot-diameter underground vertical pipe that is embedded in concrete. As water enters the penstock, gravity accelerates the velocity of the water as it rushes downward toward the Carmen Power Plant at the upper end of Trail Bridge Reservoir. The water enters the power plant and turns large turbines, generating up to 104,500 kilowatts of electricity. The water is discharged into Trail Bridge Reservoir.

Trail Bridge Reservoir

Trail Bridge Reservoir is about 74 acres in size and is a “re-regulating” reservoir, meaning it is used to maintain a near-natural level of water in the river below the project. A second powerhouse is located at the face of Trail Bridge Dam and generates about 10,000 kilowatts.

Below Trail Bridge Dam, water is returned back to the river.

Transmission line

Power is transmitted over a 115,000 volt, 19-mile line from Carmen Substation to Cougar Dam area, where it is then transmitted on a BPA-operated power line another 42 miles to EWEB’s power distribution system.

Recreation

The Carmen-Smith complex has played a significant role in enhancing recreational opportunities in the area. The project is a prime spot for fishing, camping, boating, hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Nearby lava flows, Sahalie and Koosah falls, Clear Lake and the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail also offer plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts. One popular spot is a wooden platform and several interpretive displays near Carmen Reservoir that overlooks Beaver Marsh. Beaver Marsh is a popular wildlife and nature area that has been preserved by EWEB.