Post Falls North Channel

Spokane River· Kootenai, Idaho· Built 1906· Gravity· 31 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Post Falls North Channel is classified as high hazard in Idaho. It was completed in 1906 and is 120 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 58.6% in ID)
Dam Length431 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Normal Storage225.0K acre-ft
Surface Area48,000 acres
Drainage Area3,784 sq mi
Max Discharge34,740 cfs
Year Completed1906 (120 years old)
NID IDID00496

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 17, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDWR

Ownership

Avista Corporation

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Post Falls North Channel?

Post Falls North Channel is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Post Falls North Channel?

Post Falls North Channel is owned by Avista Corporation (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Post Falls North Channel built?

Post Falls North Channel was completed in 1906, making it 120 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Post Falls North Channel?

Post Falls North Channel serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Other, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Post Falls North Channel?

Post Falls North Channel has a dam height of 31 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Post Falls North Channel last inspected?

Post Falls North Channel was last inspected on August 17, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.