Supporting USBR's Palisades Dam with Custom Protective Pads
CIP supplied custom composite pads to protect critical components on two outlet gates installed at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Palisades Dam on the Snake River in Eastern Idaho. These 90‑inch jet flow gates—among the largest in the world—play a vital role in the operation of the Upper Snake River Hydro System.
During assembly and testing, the project team identified the need for protective pads, requiring CIP to respond quickly to keep installation on schedule. CIP delivered 18 precision‑machined pads (9 per gate) designed to prevent the 33,000‑lb gate leaf from contacting and potentially damaging the gate’s 90‑inch bronze ring when the leaf is opened to its maintenance position.
In its dewatered inspection and maintenance position, the gate leaf is raised several inches above the seal ring. Without water pressure to hold the leaf perfectly plumb, the potential exists for the leaf’s leading edge to contact the seal ring during closing. The composite pads act as critical spacers to prevent this from occurring, ensuring safe, reliable operation in all conditions.
