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All the United States California Oroville Cresta Aqueduct
AO Edited

Cresta Aqueduct

A picturesque example of brute-force engineering conquering nature.

Oroville, California

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Jeremy Dunn
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Close-up of Cresta Aqueduct.   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
The Cresta Power Dam.   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
The Cresta Powerhouse.   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
The Cresta Power Dam.   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
Looking down on Cresta Aqueduct.   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
Cresta Aqueduct aerial view from behind.   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
The Cresta Aqueduct   Jeremy D / Atlas Obscura User
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About

At first glance, this structure appears to be an enigma. It's a bridge between two granite monoliths, an above-ground tunnel, and an aqueduct carrying water over a creek. This structure is actually part of an elaborate water system.

The Feather River Canyon is a scenic wonder. Sheer granite slabs rise hundreds of feet above the water. Almost equally impressive are the measures engineers have taken to conquer this rugged terrain.

Constructed in 1949, the Cresta Power Dam diverts water through a 21,000-foot-long tunnel bored through solid rock. At 12 feet in diameter, this tube delivers water to the Cresta Powerhouse four miles downstream. The elevation drop of 290 feet allows this system to generate 70 megawatts of electricity.

The Cresta Aqueduct allows water to pass over the gap created by Grizzly Creek, and it is the only portion of the Cresta tunnel system visible.

Pacific Gas and Electric (P.G.&E.) operates several similar dam and powerhouse projects along the Feather River. Collectively they are known as the "Stairway of Power," as they are able to reuse the same water, over and over, to generate electricity as it flows down the canyon.

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Design Waterworks Water Aqueducts

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On the west side of the Grizzly Creek Tunnel on Highway 70 is a pullout parking spot, with enough room for a few vehicles to park. This spot is popular with rock climbers, so parking can be limited at times. 

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Jeremy D

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Vaquero

  • Vaquero

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February 23, 2021

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  • https://www.wplives.com/frc/stairway_of_power.php
  • https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=99455176635b43138f40d66ca21ff87a
Cresta Aqueduct
CA-70
Oroville, California, 95965
United States
39.867952, -121.3727
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