Corps outlines drawdown plans

SANDPOINT — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to begin drafting Lake Pend Oreille on Sept. 21.

A pool elevation of 2,061 feet above sea level is expected to be maintained until that date, said Joel Fenolio, a water resources engineer for the corps. The corps anticipates reaching 2,051.5 feet in early November.

Between January and March flexible winter operations — fluctuating the lake between 2,051-2,056 feet for power generation purposes — could go into effect. However, cultural site preservation projects could limit those operations.

“It’s looking like it could limit the lake elevation to 2,054-2,055 (feet). We’re still trying to work out the details with the construction crews on that,” Fenolio said.

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