SEATTLE -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) officials awarded a $20, 395, 700 contract, Feb. 26, to Knight Construction & Supply Inc., to replace all 11 spillway gates at Albeni Falls Dam, in Oldtown, Idaho, ensuring continued flood risk management, hydropower generation and recreational opportunities for years to come.
USACE will also begin gradual spring refill of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, April 1, managing 2026 summer lake levels within the normal summer elevation band of 2062.0 - 2062.5 feet, as measured near Hope, Idaho.
USACE indicates it is too early to determine the date on which Lake Pend Oreille will reach normal summer levels but expects to achieve this once any major flood risk has subsided, while also considering the current limitations of the spillway gates.
All USACE managed recreation areas will open as scheduled for the 2026 season. Riley Creek Recreation Area will open for the season May 9, and Albeni Cove, Priest River and Springy Point Recreation Areas will open May 16.
USACE representatives will share additional details on spring refill at an upcoming public meeting May 7, in Sandpoint, Idaho. Other discussion topics will include restricted operations, spillway gate replacement project updates, recreation area updates and forecast for snowpack and inflows.
Public Information Meeting Details:
Thursday, May 7, 5:00 -7:00 p.m.
Sandpoint Center
414 Church St.
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
Source: U.S.Army
