Sandpoint Reader

Corps announces fall drawdown for Lake Pend Oreille

September 9, 2026

By Reader Staff

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials at Albeni Falls Dam recently announced dates for the fall drawdown of Lake Pend Oreille. 

The Corps will begin the gradual fall drawdown on Monday, Sept. 21. Summer pool elevation (2,062-2,062.5 feet) will hold through Sunday, Sept. 20 and elevation will remain above 2,061 feet until Monday, Sept. 28. An elevation target of 2,062-2061 feet is expected by Wednesday, Sept. 30 and 2,051-2,051.5 feet by no later than Nov. 15, which will hold until kokanee spawning is complete, usually in late December.

Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River, which controls the level of Lake Pend Oreille. Photo courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“Fall drawdown serves multiple purposes by accommodating fall/winter kokanee spawning and creating space for flexible winter power operations,” the Corps stated in a news release. “Fall drawdown is accomplished by releasing water through the powerhouse, not the spillway.”

To receive email notifications for Albeni Falls Dam outflow changes and near-term lake elevation projections, email [email protected].

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