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Drone Rules for Grand Coulee Dam

Coulee Dam, Washington (wa) • United States
Grand Coulee Dam, Coulee Dam, WA 99116, USA
Lat: 47.9566 • Lng: -118.981
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River is the largest hydroelectric facility in the US and subject to a permanent FAA no-fly zone. Bureau of Reclamation strictly prohibits all drone operations over this critical infrastructure.

Drone Rules - Grand Coulee Dam

All drone operations are permanently prohibited over Grand Coulee Dam and immediate vicinity under Bureau of Reclamation critical infrastructure security protocols.

Airspace / Site Context

  • Grand Coulee Airport (KGUE) Class G uncontrolled airspace ~5 miles south
  • Dam is 550 ft tall and 5,223 ft wide; generates 6,809 MW — largest US hydroelectric facility
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake (Lake Roosevelt) extends 150 miles behind the dam
  • Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area NPS boundaries adjacent

Key Rules

  • Permanent FAA no-fly zone over dam structure; violations are federal crimes
  • Bureau of Reclamation law enforcement on site 24/7
  • NPS 36 CFR 1.5 applies to Lake Roosevelt NRA portions
  • Washington state critical infrastructure law prohibits UAS over power-generating facilities

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