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| Spokane River |
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| Post Falls |
| License Application |
Post Falls Hydroelectric Development
Capable
of meeting the average energy needs of approximately 6,000 households, the
Post Falls Hydroelectric Development (HED) was constructed at an area
where the Spokane River branches into three separate channels. The project
actually consists of three dams - one in each channel!
Adjacent to the L-shaped North Channel Dam, is Falls Park. Dedicated in June 1993, the park offers paved trails, a viewpoint with a universally-accessible ramp, playground equipment, a picnic shelter, and a series of interpretive signs describing the early history of the immediate area. The North and South channel dams are spillway dams only; they do not directly produce any hydroelectric power.
The Middle Channel Dam includes a powerhouse which contains six generating units. Five of these units were operational by 1908; the sixth was added in 1980.
Adjoining the South Channel Dam is Q'Emiln Riverside Park, which contains a picnic area, swimming and boat launching facilities, and an extensive system of trails for public hiking. Q'Emiln's "Riverside Trail" allows visitors a close-up view of the South Channel Dam. Both Falls Park and Q'Emiln Riverside Park are operated by the City of Post Falls, primarily on land leased from Avista at essentially no cost to the City.
Post Falls HED is located nine miles below the mouth of the beautiful Coeur d' Alene Lake, a natural lake that also serves as the primary storage reservoir for Post Falls and the other Spokane River Project developments.
Development Information
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Location: On Spokane River in Post Falls, ID. Approximately nine river miles downstream of Coeur d'Alene Lake
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Initial Operation: 1906
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Generating Units: 6 Francis turbines
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Generating Capacity: 14.75 megawatts
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Length of Spillway (North Channel): 43 feet
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Height Of Dam (North Channel): 31 feet
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Spillgates (North Channel): Eight tainter gates and one rolling sector gate
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Normal Summer Reservoir Elevation: Near 2128 feet (Avista datum)
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Storage: 225,000 acre feet
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Minimum Flow: 300 cfs or inflow into the system