Ep 17. Rocky Reach Dam

Mike Rowe is back for another episode of Dirty Jobs, and this time he's headed to the Rocky Reach Dam in Washington State. Known for its impressive size and hydroelectric power, the dam is a major source of energy and a vital part of the state's infrastructure. But as Mike discovers, it's also home to some of the dirtiest and most dangerous jobs in the world.

As he arrives on site, Mike is greeted by his guide for the day, a seasoned dam worker named Dave. Dave explains that he'll be taking Mike on a tour of the dam, showing him some of the work that goes into keeping it running smoothly. But first, they need to suit up in their safety gear. Mike is outfitted with a hard hat, safety goggles, and a harness, all necessary equipment for the unique challenges of working at the dam.

The first stop on their tour is the spillway, a massive concrete structure that channels water over the top of the dam during periods of heavy rain or snow. Dave explains that one of the key jobs at the spillway is checking for debris that might clog the chutes and cause a dangerous backup of water. Mike gets a first-hand look at this process as he helps clear out a blockage of leaves and twigs, using a long pole to pull the debris out of the channel.

Next, Dave takes Mike inside the dam itself, where they navigate a maze of tunnels and chambers that house the complex machinery that generates electricity. Mike is impressed by the sheer scale of the operation, noting that the generators are as big as locomotives and the turbine blades spin at enormous speeds.

But it's not all high-tech equipment and cutting-edge technology at the Rocky Reach Dam. As Mike soon discovers, there are also plenty of jobs that require good old-fashioned elbow grease and a willingness to get dirty. One such job is cleaning the trash racks, giant metal grates that capture debris before it reaches the turbines. It's a crucial task, as even a small obstruction can cause major damage. Mike joins a team of workers as they use high-pressure hoses to blast away accumulated buildup of logs, rocks, and even fish.

Another dirty job at the dam is painting, a task that might sound mundane but is vital for protecting the structures against the constant wear and tear of the elements. Mike dons a respirator and jumps into the fray, helping paint the spillway's massive concrete walls.

Throughout the episode, Mike showcases the camaraderie and teamwork that is omnipresent in the workers of the dam. Even though their jobs are tough and sometimes dangerous, they approach their work with good humor and a sense of pride in their contribution to the community.

As the episode draws to a close, Mike reflects on the ingenuity and sheer persistence it takes to keep the dam running smoothly. From the engineers who designed the massive structures to the workers who labor day in and day out to maintain them, everyone at the Rocky Reach Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring that Washington State has a reliable source of energy for years to come. Dirty Jobs season 5 episode 17 Rocky Reach Dam concludes with Mike expressing appreciation and respect for all the workers who are designated for the dirty jobs.