BC Hydro crews install specialized meters deep underground to measure water pressure at Mica Dam. The original equipment was installed during dam construction in the 1970s. The installation is challenging. Crews will drill six holes – the deepest is expected to be 835 feet long which is longer than the length of four hockey rinks. The holes will be cased in steel, refilled and have monitoring equipment installed within them. The work began in August and is expected to be complete by October. The new meters will modernize and improve BC Hydro’s ability to continue monitoring dam performance. The top image shows BC Hydro crews prepare the 16” downhole hammer for drilling. The bottom image shows the drilling operation at sundown. Photos courtesy of BC Hydro
