Grand Coulee Dam Project

Grand Coulee is the largest dam in the Columbia River Basin 
and one of the largest in the world. 

The four highest dams in the world were firmly bound to the

rock floor on which they rest with the benefit of geological advice

in which Professor Berkey participated. In recognition of his contribution

to engineering science as well as geology he received a

most signal tribute as a geologist — election as an honorary member

of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

In 1920 Colonel Hugh L. Cooper was very instrumental in getting the state of Washington to appropriate $50, 000 for exploration of the bedrock situation at the dam site by diamond drilling. This was done in 1921, and promptly settled that question. 

Dr. Charles Peter Berkey, noted consulting geologist for the Bureau of Reclamation pronounced it to be very excellent granite foundation, capable of supporting safely any height dam that the engineers would desire to build on it. Electric shovels and trucks completed excavation of the material between the cross-river cofferdams. This view shows operations next to the cell cluster just east of block 40. The excavation machinery used on the project was the largest to be had, but seemed tiny in comparison to the vastness of the area being worked, and to 

the sheer bulk of the material to be moved.

January 9, 1935
Washington State History
Grand Coulee Dam Project  

September 15, 1934
Washington State History
Grand Coulee Dam Project  

September 12, 1935
Washington State History
Grand Coulee Dam Project  

January 10, 1938 
Washington State History
Grand Coulee Dam Project  

June 28, 1935
Washington State History
Grand Coulee Dam Project