Dam rehabilitation project starts in Post Falls

POST FALLS — Avista has started a multiyear project to rehabilitate the spillway for the Post Falls North Channel Dam. 

The work will include rehabilitation of the dam’s concrete structure, replacement of its steel spillway gates and gate hoists and upgrades to the electrical and control systems, according to a press release.

The $56 million project will hinder access to some areas of Falls Park to maintain safety for the public, recreationists and workers, the release said. The parking lot will be closed to the public and used as a staging area for construction-site materials, equipment and vehicles. It will reopen when the project is completed in 2027.

Limited sections of the park, including the boardwalk and one of the three dam overlooks, will be closed to accommodate construction activity and maintain public safety, the release said. 

"Most of the other pedestrian trails throughout the park will remain open to the public, as well as the restroom, fishing pond and playground," the release said. "The pond will also continue to be stocked for fishing.

"Once the new spillway gates are in service, Falls Park will be restored to pre-existing or better condition," the release said.

Avista anticipates that Lake Coeur d’Alene water levels will not be affected by this project.