Albeni Falls Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Constructed in 1955, the Albeni Falls Dam, also known as Pend Oreille Lake, stands as a vital hydroelectric facility on the Pend Oreille River in Newport, Idaho.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and hydroelectric power generation, this concrete gravity dam boasts a structural height of 180 feet and a hydraulic height of 90 feet. Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam plays a crucial role in balancing flood risks to Lake Pend Oreille, with a maximum discharge capacity of 420,000 cubic feet per second and a storage capacity of 1,155,000 acre-feet.

Despite its high hazard potential, the Albeni Falls Dam is rigorously maintained to mitigate risks to life safety and property. Regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs are carried out to ensure the structure's reliability, especially during extreme weather events like snowmelt and heavy rainfall. The USACE continuously monitors river conditions and collaborates with local authorities to update emergency action plans, conduct emergency exercises, and engage with stakeholders to manage flood operations effectively. While the dam's risk assessment remains at a very high level, the USACE's proactive approach and risk management measures instill confidence in the dam's ability to reduce flood risks and safeguard the surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

1055

River Or Stream

PEND OREILLE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

94600

Hydraulic Height

90

Drainage Area

24200

Nid Storage

1155000

Structural Height

180

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

180
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.