Priest Lake dam
Priest Lake
Priest Lake, located in Bonner County, Idaho, is a state-regulated water resource known for its stunning beauty and recreational opportunities. This concrete dam, completed in 1979, stands at 12 feet high and has a storage capacity of 76,100 acre-feet. The lake covers an expansive surface area of 23,800 acres and is fed by the Priest River, offering a picturesque setting for water and climate enthusiasts to explore.
With a controlled spillway and significant hazard potential, Priest Lake is carefully monitored and inspected by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. The dam's condition is assessed as fair, and emergency action plans have been prepared to address any potential risks. The risk assessment for Priest Lake is categorized as very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing management measures and safety protocols to protect the surrounding community and environment.
Priest Lake's rich history, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether visitors seek adventure on the water or simply wish to relax in the serene surroundings, Priest Lake offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who appreciate the intersection of water resources and climate in a beautiful natural setting.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Priest Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Priest R Outflow Nr Coolin | 483 cfs | → |
| Pack River Nr Colburn Id | 610 cfs | → |
| Priest River Nr Priest River Id | 628 cfs | → |
| Pend Oreille River At Newport Wa | 36,300 cfs | → |
| Kootenai River @ Tribal Hatchery Nr Bonners Ferry | 15,700 cfs | → |
| Outlet Creek Near Metaline Falls | 19 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Priest Lake.
Boat launches
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Campgrounds
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Fishing spots
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River runs
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More reservoirs
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About Priest Lake
Where does the data for Priest Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card below for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.