ADVERTISEMENT
December 8, 2009 in Idaho

Lake could fluctuate by 5 feet

BPA seeks change in Pend Oreille use
Becky Kramer The Spokesman-Review
  • Print
  • Share
 
Tags: Albenai Falls Dam Bonneville Power Administration kokanee Lake Pend Oreille

Sandpoint sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in this Oct. 4 photo taken from Schweitzer Mountain.
(Full-size photo)

Lake Pend Oreille’s water levels could fluctuate by up to 5 feet this winter. The change would allow Albeni Falls Dam to produce more electricity, but it also is likely to erode shorelines, shift docks and damage habitat for waterfowl.

The Bonneville Power Administration requested changes in the lake’s operation to help meet peak electrical demand during the winter months. Albeni Falls Dam supplies about 15,000 homes with electricity when it’s operating at capacity.

“Even though the dam generates a relatively small amount of power, it can be important at certain times,” said Michael Milstein, a BPA spokesman.

Water releases …

The full version of this story is available to Spokesman-Review print and online premium subscribers. If you are a print or online premium subscriber, you are entitled to full access to all Spokesman.com content. Premium content is recognizable by the logo.

  • If you already have a premium account, log in to view the entire story.
  • New to this site? Create a site profile and follow the steps to add premium access.

  • The Spokesman-Review and Spokesman.com are happy to assist you. Contact Customer Service by email or call (509) 459-5144.

Recent stories by Becky Kramer
Recent stories in Idaho
No comments on this story so far. Add yours!

You must be logged in to post comments. Create an account or log in below.

ADVERTISEMENT