Bureau of Reclamation

Authorized in April 1941, the Davis Dam Project began construction in 1942 but was soon paused because of wartime material restrictions. Work resumed in 1946, and by 1953 the dam and powerplant were completed, forming Lake Mohave. The structure is an earth- and rock-fill embankment with a concrete spillway, gravity structure, intake structure and powerplant. Today, Davis Dam generates 1 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric energy each year. This power supports industries across the Southwest and helps pump water that sustains farms, ranches and communities throughout the region.

@aproprosonothin April Fools strikes again 😄 gotcha! (just a little)

@usbr okay but for real tho 🥺🙏

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the Bureau of Reclamation is continuing the legacy of legendary and bold achievements by opening the first Dam Zipline at Hoover Dam. Adventure enthusiasts and thrill seekers will be delighted by a rapid descent through Black Canyon followed by a dynamic water landing featuring an inflatable drop zone. Come soar like an eagle and experience the glory! . . . Happy April Fools’ Day. 😎 While America’s infrastructure legacy is built on innovation and ingenuity, this concept may remain more legend than reality.

🌻Spring has arrived in California, bringing vibrant blossoms, busy bees and fluttering butterflies that highlight the season’s renewal. Behind the scenes, the Bureau of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project helps make this seasonal renewal possible. By delivering reliable water throughout the valley, the CVP supports the blooming plants that feed pollinators, sustain ecosystems, and brighten communities from the foothills to the farms. As trees bud and wildflowers open, the water carried through the CVP nourishes the habitats that bees, butterflies, and other pollinators depend on — helping nature thrive and supporting California’s agriculture that feeds the nation. 🐝 From the first blossoms to the last summer bloom, the Central Valley Project plays a vital role in keeping our environment healthy, our crops growing, and our natural world buzzing with life. 🌸

Let’s get real for a minute. Those iconic canyons of the Southwest, shaped by river erosion, started out small—rill small. Rills are tiny streams formed by rainwater runoff. These small but mighty channels are the first stage of erosion, and over millions of years, they helped set the stage for the Colorado River to carve the canyons we know today.

Ever wonder who maintains the Bureau of Reclamation’s facilities? Reclamation engineers and dam tenders work behind the scenes every day to keep dams operating safely and efficiently. Their work includes regular inspections, ongoing maintenance and rapid repairs, especially during severe weather. Their efforts help protect communities and ensure water resources are managed responsibly across the West. Join us in recognizing the professionals who support this critical infrastructure every day!

Water + agriculture = stronger communities. On #NationalAgDay, we celebrate the farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers who help America #GrowTogether. Reclamation is proud to support western farmers with irrigation water across 10 million acres—producing 60% of U.S. vegetables and 25% of its fruits and nuts.

As the weather in the West continues to offer spring like conditions, Bureau of Reclamation facilities offer great outdoor adventures like hiking trails, photography, wildlife viewing, picnic areas and great views. Check out the Shasta Dam Webcam at anytime: usbr.gov/mp/ncao/index.… #Reclamation #ShastaDam #ShastaDamCam

Water supports communities, agriculture, ecosystems and energy production across the western United States. The Bureau of Reclamation manages dams, reservoirs and canals that help deliver water for cities and farms, generate renewable hydropower and support river ecosystems. On World Water Day, Reclamation recognizes the importance of responsible water management and maintaining infrastructure that supports communities across the West. #WorldWaterDay #WaterInfrastructure #Hydropower #WaterManagement

Bartlett Dam, located northeast of Phoenix and built between 1936 and 1939, was the first concrete multiple‑arch buttress dam constructed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, featuring 10 arches and 9 buttresses. The dam contains 182,000 cubic yards of concrete, and creates a 168,023 acre-foot capacity reservoir called Bartlett Lake, which is open to the public for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. After it's completion it was the highest multiple‑arch dam in the world. Its design offered a cost‑effective, material‑saving solution during the Great Depression. A remarkable blend of innovation and efficiency, Bartlett Dam continues to play a vital role in the region today.

The Bureau of Reclamation is investing $889 million in critical water infrastructure across the West. The funding will strengthen canals, dams, pumping plants and conveyance systems in California, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, helping ensure reliable, efficient water delivery for communities, agriculture and industry. These investments advance efforts to expand water supply, modernize aging infrastructure and improve resilience across the West. Watch the video to learn more.

What did Reclamation discover beneath the future foundation of Yellowtail Dam? Before construction began in Bighorn Canyon, scientists needed to understand the geology that would support the structure. In the summers of 1947 and 1948, the Bureau of Reclamation partnered with the @USGS to map the canyon, study river terraces for construction materials and analyze the rock formations beneath the proposed dam site. In the early 1950s, Reclamation launched additional core drilling to determine how extensive the cavities were and how engineers could design around them. Then came an important discovery. · Geologists studied the faults and cave systems to assess the strength and rock properties of the rock formations of the proposed dam site. · Geologists performed detailed studies of faults, fractures, and fissures to assess the suitability and stability of the dam site. · Preconstruction investigations from the 1940’s to the 1960’s included detailed geologic mapping, exploratory tunnels, and hundreds of core holes to study the rock formations. · Geologists studied how reservoir water might travel through the rock, and how the forces of the massive concrete arch dam would interact with the canyon walls. · Geologists and engineers continue to apply state-of-the-art engineering practices to ensure the dam’s performance continues to meet the highest dam safety standards. Historic photos from the era show geologists scaling canyon walls and exploring tight rock openings with minimal protective gear. It’s a reminder of how much worksite safety has evolved since the late 1940s. Before the concrete. Before the turbines. There was science. Investigate first. Build second. Make it last. #Reclamation #Engineering #Geology #WaterInfrastructure

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Bureau of Reclamation! Today’s a perfect reminder of the vibrant landscapes and vital water resources that make the West thrive. Whether it’s lush green hillsides, sparkling reservoirs, or even the occasional rainbow over your favorite dam, we’re proud to help protect and manage these natural treasures for communities across the region. Wishing you a safe, bright, and lucky St. Patrick’s Day! 🌈💧🍀 #ShastaDam #StPatricksDay2026

The 2024 Plex Fire burned 500 acres near the Boise River Diversion Dam. After containment, Reclamation launched a restoration effort in collaboration with Ada County and Idaho Fish and Game to protect land & water quality: ✅ 287 acres aerially seeded ✅ 300 live seedling sagebrush plants planted ✅ 4,300 pounds native seed ✅ Cultural clearance completed ✅ Project wrapped in 2025 Because protecting water starts with protecting the land. 🌊🌱

Feeling a little superstitious this Friday the 13th? 👀 Maybe you’re steering clear of black cats, crows, and even haircuts, but there’s one thing you don’t need to fear: the dark. As the sun sets each day, the Hoover Dam Power Plant truly shines by providing reliable hydropower that keeps the lights on for families across the Colorado River Basin. 💡

Hidden cracks beneath embankment dams could pose serious risks but they’re incredibly hard to detect. The Bureau of Reclamation is calling on innovators, technologists, and problem-solvers to help develop new ways to find these cracks. 💡 Think sensors, AI, geophysics, or something entirely new. 💰 Up to $400,000 in prizes available. Learn more and get involved: herox.com/CrackTheCase

Water in the Missouri Basin: Celebrating National Groundwater Awareness Week Did you know the Bureau of Reclamation’s Missouri Basin Region spans from southern Canada across 10 U.S. states and covers nearly one-sixth of the contiguous United States? While the Missouri River and its tributaries supply water to millions of people, groundwater plays a critical supporting role across the basin. Beneath the plains lies a vast network of aquifers made up of sand and gravel, glacial deposits, basin-fill systems, sandstone, limestone and dolomite. These underground water sources help support communities, agriculture and ecosystems throughout the region. During National Groundwater Awareness Week, it’s a reminder that the water beneath our feet is just as important as the water we see above ground. Learn more: ngwa.org/home #GroundwaterAwareness #WaterManagement #NationalGroundwaterWeek

Central Valley Project (CVP): Getting the Job Done As the season shifts, the Bureau of Reclamation is fully engaged. CVP facilities are delivering reliable water for farms, generating power and supporting the communities we serve. We’re focused, ready and committed to keeping water moving. Here’s to a productive season across the California-Great Basin Region. #CAWater #Reclamation

It’s National Groundwater Awareness Week! We’re proud to spotlight the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program, a leading example of sustainable water management in Washington’s Odessa Subarea. By transitioning farms from deep well groundwater to surface water from the Columbia Basin Project, OGWRP is helping protect aquifers, support agriculture, and support local communities. 💧 Responsible groundwater use matters—for our health, our communities, and our future. Learn more at usbr.gov/pn/programs/ei….

Lose an Hour, Gain the Power! Losing an hour of sleep this weekend? Good news: Hydropower won’t hit snooze. #DaylightSavingTime #Hydropower #Reclamation