IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES - SEPTEMBER UPDATE
September 18, 2026 We continue to monitor conditions to determine which maximum flows we can maintain in Priest River through the end of September, while ensuring lake levels stay above 3.0’. In addition, we are in-process on bringing the lake level down to 3.0’ in preparation for Fall drawdown.
The current water level for Priest Lake is 3.20 feet, with the dam discharging 396 cfs:
(Priest Lake at Outlet NR Coolin ID - USGS Water Data for the Nation) (Gage Height, feet)
(Priest R Outflow NR Coolin, ID - USGS Water Data for the Nation) (Discharge, cfs)
Fall drawdown will start October 1st. Our current plan is to cap the outflow during drawdown at 1,200 cfs. Drawdown will be completed October 31st, with an estimated winter pool of 0.56’.
Another update will be released in late September.
Photo Pecky Cox
