Nechako Reservoir

Nechako Reservoir is a large man-made reservoir system in central British Columbia formed by impounding the Nechako River. It is a central element of the Kemano hydroelectric project that supplies power to coastal industrial operations.

The reservoir was created in the mid-20th century when the Kenney Dam and associated works were built to divert Nechako flows for hydroelectric generation at Kemano. The project was developed to supply electricity for large industrial users on the coast and altered river systems and local communities in the process.

The Nechako Reservoir system lies in central British Columbia, within the upper Nechako River watershed, and is reached by forest and resource roads from regional centres in central BC.

• Variable water levels: Water levels and flows are managed for hydroelectric power generation, which creates widely fluctuating shoreline and access conditions for boating and fishing.
• Historic impact: The reservoir was created as part of a large hydroelectric project in the mid-20th century, with long-term ecological and social impacts noted in the region.

What to See #

• Major basins: The reservoir is composed of several flooded lake basins including Ootsa, Whitesail, and Natalkuz, which together form the larger Nechako Reservoir system created when rivers were impounded.
• Dam and diversion infrastructure: The Kenney Dam and associated diversion infrastructure divert Nechako River flows into the reservoir system as part of the Kemano hydroelectric project supplying power to industrial facilities on the coast.