The Sierras have many uses. For recreation such as four wheeling, snow skiing, hiking, etc. They also provide California with the majority of it's drinking water. What most people don't know is that the Sierras also provide the Sacramento valley with most of it's electricity.

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District has a very sophisticated network of hydro-electric plants in the Sierras. One of the most unique, is the power station located at Loon Lake, the gateway to the Rubicon Trail.

What's that, you say? You've never seen any hydroelectric dam at Loon Lake. Of course there are the two levee dams, but no hydroelectric dams. Well you are correct. That's because the hydroelctric facility at Loon Lake is under Loon Lake. Located 1,750 feet below the Earth's surface, lies a complete 70 megawatt facility.

Special thanks goes out to Chuck Vanderpool, senior SMUD technician for taking us on a tour of the facility. It was an incredible sight.

A look into the 1,750 foot abyss			Standing on top of the 70 megawatt generator	Inside the battery room
Just one of the many wiring cabinets	The cave is MASSIVE	Under the generator, this shaft is spinning at 200RPM	Here is a spare water wheel	Another look of the incredible facility located below. Note the giant crane above the generator
More electronic gadgets	One of six 'pins'	The tunnel where the water exits the generator. It's 5 miles from here to Gerle Creek. Note the "emergency raft".	Another shot of the tunnel. See the little dot? That's the end of the tunnel, 5 miles away.
This is where the water enters the facility and into the generator		Looking up the trolley tunnel	Another shot of the exit tunnel	Riding the trolley back up.