By Jack McNeel
Grand Coulee Dam is the largest concrete structure in the United States. Massive concrete walls rise 550 feet and stretch nearly a mile across the Columbia River in central Washington. There’s enough concrete here to build a four-lane highway from Los Angeles to New York.
It’s impressive in daytime but becomes magical at night! When the last glow of sunset subsides and darkness takes over, the dam becomes a different creation, a massive screen with images of Indians and horses, of eagles, ships, and the Statue of Liberty. It’s the Laser Light Show, “Grandest Show in the Grand Coulee.”
Crowds seated in bleachers or on blankets on the grass grow quiet as darkness settles. Anticipation escalates as spillway gates are opened and sheets of shimmering white water cascade down the face of the dam, creating a massive screen for projecting laser images from the Visitor Center across the river in the community of Coulee Dam.
Thunder roars from massive speakers and a deep voice, the voice of the river, begins narrating the natural history of the mighty Columbia and its ancient importance to native peoples of the region. You hear of events leading to construction of the dam and benefits to irrigation and recreation as well as electrical power. But even more powerful are the images in brilliant colors that flash and move upon this huge curtain of white water accompanied by dynamic music from recording artists such as Neil Diamond.
Some images are strictly lines and free forms of colors, merging and blending with the music. Others illustrate history with horses galloping and men paddling. It’s all captivating, and crowds remain hushed for the 36-minute nightly presentation. The 2007 season begins May 26 and finishes September 30. Starting times are 10 p.m. from opening day through July, then 9:30 p.m. in August and 8:30 p.m. in September as days become shorter.
Those interested in the “how” will find that two argon and two krypton lasers are used, along with mirrors, modulators, and a cooling system. No film is used but rather an audio tape that controls the equipment and timing of the images with a sound track. The lasers are low intensity as compared to those used in surgery. This, plus the substantial distance, prevents any damage to the dam itself. The lasers produce beams split by filters into three colors. By combining the different colors and different intensities a variety of colors is achieved.
Plan to arrive early for a parking spot near the Visitor Center and stop in to see the new exhibits that opened May 2006, covering the local tribal cultures, importance of salmon, and technical aspects of the dam. Parking and picnicking areas are available below the center. More distant locations can tune their radio to 90.1 fm to hear the presentation.
Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center (509-633-9265; www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/gcvc)
Northwest Travel July/August 2007 |
