Helicopter-Supported Geotechnical Investigation
Upper Baker Dam spans the Baker River in northern Washington and is located a few miles upstream of Lower Baker Dam near Concrete, Washington. Crux participated in a geotechnical investigation program commissioned by owner Puget Sound Energy, ultimately drilling and sampling 4 vertical borings to 100-foot depths upslope and downslope from the dam spillway. The data was collected to support potential failures related to foliation below the spillway.
Team Members
Puget Sound Energy
Shannon & Wilson
Crux Subsurface
Crux’s Role
Access to the sites was steep and challenging, requiring helicopter support for all equipment and materials. Crew access to two of the more challenging borings involved extensive rope support, requiring all crew members to complete advanced-level ropes training.
Downhole imaging and vibrating wire piezometer installs were completed in all four borings. Project challenges included navigating a highly congested environment for helicopter work due to the surrounding mountainous terrain, dam structure and conductors. All work was successfully completed within schedule and budget with no lost time incidences.
Access to two of the more challenging borings involved extensive rope support, requiring all crew members to complete advanced-level ropes training.
