Army Corps announces fall drawdown elevation targets for Lake Pend Oreille

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Seattle District
Published Sept. 3, 2025
Aerial photo of Albeni Falls Dam, Idaho.

Aerial photo of Albeni Falls Dam, Idaho.

Photo of the spillway gates at Albeni Falls Dam, Idaho.

Photo of the spillway gates at Albeni Falls Dam, Idaho.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials at Albeni Falls Dam announce Lake Pend Oreille elevation targets for the upcoming 2025 fall drawdown. 

A gradual fall drawdown is scheduled to begin Sept. 22, with the following elevation targets (as measured at Hope, Idaho):  

  • Hold summer pool elevation, 2,062-2,062.5 feet, through Sept. 21.  
  • Target 2,060-2,061 feet by Sept. 30.  
  • Target 2,051-2,051.5 feet no later than Nov. 15.  
  • Hold 2,051-2,051.5 feet elevation band until Kokanee spawning is complete, generally late December.  

Fall drawdown serves multiple purposes by accommodating fall/winter Kokanee spawning and creating space for flexible winter power operations. Only powerhouse outflows are used during drawdown. 

USACE and Bonneville Power Administration representatives will host an Open House Oct. 7, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Sandpoint Community Hall, Sandpoint, Idaho. The public is invited to visit with staff at their convenience to learn more about ongoing projects at the dam. Topics will include Water Management, Spillway Gate Replacement Project, Invasive Species Management and Springy Point Recreation Area.  

The Army Corps operates Albeni Falls Dam as a multiple-purpose project, providing flood risk management, recreation, power generation, fish and wildlife conservation and navigation.  

To receive email notifications for Albeni Falls Dam outflow changes and near-term lake elevation projections, email uppercolumbiawm@usace.army.mil and request to be added.


Contact
Taylor Johnson
208- 437-3133 X 7225
taylor.m.johnson@usace.army.mil
or
Nicole L. Celestine
206-554-1894
nicole.l.celestine@usace.army.mil

Release no. 25-019