OLDTOWN, ID – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reported on May 1 that they have been working to modify spillway operations after metal defects were discovered on a single gate during a routine inspection in April.
Some residents living off the Pend Oreille River have voiced concerns to the USACE about low water levels because of this.
“Because of the dam issues, the water level is not coming up,” Mike Fisher, a Sandpoint resident and boater, said.
The inspection and the maintenance is all a part of the major gate rehabilitation contract that started in June 2023.
“There’s such limited access on the lake as is. Without people having access to the docks that require another 10 feet of water, like all the docks here at City Beach, people can’t put their boats in. And, with no boats on the water, there’s not going to be people on the lake,” Fisher said.
On Tuesday morning, the Albeni Falls Dam increased from 26 to 36 kcfs because the USACE removed one spill gate and reduced powerhouse flows.
Once lakeshore flood risk passes, USACE said they will work to meet normal summer water elevations.
“I just don’t see it happening anytime soon. This is something we’re all gonna sit around and deal with, because there’s no fast solution,” Fisher said.
USACE told NonStop Local that they will be hosting an informational meeting at the end of May. They do not have a date or a venue solidified yet.
