Lake Management Overview
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Priest Lake Updates
The Priest Lake Outlet Dam, which was constructed in 1978, is owned by IDWR and operated by a contractor on behalf of IDWR.
Notices
April 10, 2026
We are monitoring conditions to determine when peak Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), peak melt-out, and peak stream flows (spring runoff) are likely to occur. Peak SWE is mid-April, and peak runoff into the lake follows that.
Bunchgrass Meadow: AWS Plot
The current water level for Priest Lake is 2.72 feet, with the dam discharging 1,020 cfs:
(Priest Lake at Outlet Nr Coolin ID- USGS Water Data for the Nation)
As Idaho Code 70-507 specifies, the type-of-year designation determines whether the lake level will be stabilized at 3.0 feet (for wet years) or between 3.0 to 3.5 feet (for dry years). Predictions point to and current conditions confirm a “dry” or “very dry” year.
We continue to slowly raise the lake level, with the goal to bring the lake up to 3.0 feet before or by May 10th, and to 3.5 feet before or by May 22nd. Depending on how quickly runoff comes off the mountains, the lake level may exceed 3.5 feet.
Another update will be released in the May timeframe.
For questions contact Bill Cresse, Associate Engineer, IDWR Northern Region, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
March 13, 2026
This winter has brought warmer than normal temperatures, which has led to more precipitation falling as rain, especially at lower and mid elevations.
IDWR staff are watching two SNOTEL sites, Bunchgrass Meadow and Hidden Lake. Both sites are at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. The Bunchgrass Meadow site is currently hovering around record low Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), and the Hidden Lake site is currently below normal SWE. Peak accumulation typically occurs mid-April at both sites, so there is some time for things to recover. However, because of how far behind snowpack accumulation is, a full recovery is highly unlikely.
Bunchgrass Meadow: AWS Plot
Hidden Lake: AWS Plot
The current water level for Priest Lake is 1.00 feet:
(Priest Lake at Outlet Nr Coolin ID- USGS Water Data for the Nation)
As Idaho Code 70-507 specifies, the type-of-year designation determines whether the lake level will be stabilized at 3.0 feet (for wet years) or between 3.0 to 3.5 feet (for dry years). We reviewed the information shown below from several agencies to make the type-of-year determination.
- The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) forecast issued in early March shows well below average values of streamflow volume are expected for the Priest River basin.
- In accordance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Seasonal Outlook for temperature and precipitation predict normal conditions for North Idaho in the March-April-May timeframe.
- The US Drought Monitor’s weekly report released on March 5th, reports Abnormally Dry to Moderate Drought for the Idaho panhandle.
- Furthermore, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports soil moistures of 10% or less in the Idaho Panhandle, suggesting very dry conditions.
- As of March 1st, the Northwest River Forecast Center of NOAA water supply forecast for the USGS “Priest River near Priest River” site for the months of April through September is 69% of normal (or below average).
Predictions point to a “dry” or a “very dry” type of year, and current conditions confirm we’re in a dry to very dry type of year. In fact, the Bunchgrass SNOTEL site reported the lowest observed SWE for the last 44 years for March 10th. Priest Lake is in its fourth consecutive year of drought or dryer-than-normal conditions (2023-2026). Conditions may improve in the next month, but it would take a drastic increase in snowpack accumulation to change the classification of this year out of “dry” or “very dry”.
In an effort to conserve water in the lake basin for a dry summer, dam gate operations have already begun to slowly raise the lake level, with the goal to bring the lake up to between 2.5 and 3.0 feet by May 10th (assuming runoff does not take lake level higher). Per Idaho Code §70-507, we will also aim to raise the lake level to between 3.0 and 3.5 feet by May 22nd.
Another update will be released in the April timeframe.
For questions contact Bill Cresse, Engineer, Associate, IDWR Northern Region, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800
2025 Notices
November 13, 2025
As of November 13, 2025, the lake level is at approximately 0.66 feet, and the flow through the dam is about 540 cubic feet per second (cfs).
Fall Drawdown concluded on November 1, 2025.
The lake level at conclusion of fall drawdown was 0.58 feet. The goal of dam operations through winter is to keep the lake level at 0.58 feet, or above, to avoid drying out the kokanee redds on the shorelines of Priest Lake.
For questions or comments, please contact Idaho Department of Water Resources in Coeur d’Alene at northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
October 8, 2025
As of October 8, 2025, the lake level is at 2.57 feet, and the flow through the dam is 1060 cubic feet per second (cfs).
As you likely know, Fall Drawdown began on October 1, 2025.
Prior announcements indicated flow through the dam would be capped at 1000 cfs. This would have resulted in a minimum lake level for the winter of about one foot on the USGS lake level gage.
Stakeholder feedback has led to a revision to this plan, and the new cap in flow will be 1500 cfs. The revised target minimum lake level is approximately 0.4 feet by November 1.
The capped flow of 1500 cfs will slow the drop in lake level in comparison to the Fall Drawdown using historic practices. Drawdown will cease on November 1, 2025 to avoid drying out the kokanee redds on the shorelines of Priest Lake.
The following chart shows the anticipated lake levels this year compared to the traditional drawdown method used in 2024. As you can see, the new method for 2025 slows down the drop in lake level. As previously stated, the lake level on October 8, 2025 is 2.57 feet, as compared with the lake level on October 8, 2024, which was 2.1 feet.
For questions or comments, please contact Idaho Department of Water Resources in Coeur d’ Alene at northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
August 19, 2025
Following Spring runoff, operations have held the lake level between 3.0 and 3.5 feet since June 11th.
Between now and September 30th, the goal of operations will be to maintain the flow in Priest River (just below the dam) at or above 200 cubic feet per second (cfs). In doing so, the lake level will be allowed to drop gradually to 3.0 feet by September 30th. If necessary, the river flow at the dam may be adjusted down if the lake level drops too quickly.
Fall Drawdown is scheduled to start on October 1, 2025. The flow through the dam will be capped at 1000 cfs. This will slow the drop in lake level in comparison to the Fall Drawdown for prior years, and Drawdown will cease on November 1, 2025. The anticipated minimum lake level for the winter is about one foot on the USGS lake level gage.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
July 10, 2025
Priest Lake inflow from runoff has been steadily declining and Priest River flow through the outlet dam has been similarly reduced to stabilize the lake level between 3.31 and 3.44 feet. The lake level has been stabilized in accordance with Idaho Code 70-507.
As Idaho Code 70-507 specifies, the type-of-year designation determines whether the lake level will be stabilized at 3.0 feet (for wet years) or between 3.0 to 3.5 feet (for dry years). We reviewed the information shown below from several agencies to make the type-of-year determination.
- In accordance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Seasonal Outlook for temperature and precipitation predict hotter and dryer-than-normal conditions for North Idaho in the July-August-September timeframe.
- The US Drought Monitor’s weekly report released on July 8 reports Moderate Drought for the Idaho panhandle.
- Furthermore, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports soil moistures of 10% or less in the Idaho Panhandle, suggesting very dry conditions.
- On July 10th, the Northwest River Forecast Center of NOAA water supply forecast for the USGS “Priest River near Priest River” site for the months of April through September is 81% of normal (or below average).
Predictions pointed to a “dry” type of year, and current conditions confirm we’re in a dry type of year. In fact, the Bunchgrass SNOTEL site reported the lowest observed precipitation for the last 43 years for June. Hidden Lake reported the second lowest precipitation for the last 25 years for June. Priest Lake is in its third consecutive year of drought or dryer-than-normal conditions (2023-2025). Inflow calculations indicate inflow to the Priest Lake has dropped to 218 cfs as of July 9, 2025. The last year that flow dropped below 200 cfs in early July was in 2021.
Operations have held the lake level between 3.0 and 3.5 feet since June 11th. Once flow in the Priest River near Coolin River flow drops to 200 cfs, the flow through the dam will be maintained at 200 cfs, and the lake level will be allowed to drop gradually (from lake evaporation and from declining inflow) to 3.0 feet through September 30th. The river flow at the dam may be adjusted if the lake level drops too quickly.
Another update will be released in the August timeframe.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
June 11, 2025
Peak runoff has now occurred, and the SNOTEL sites indicate zero values for the snow-water-equivalent at the Bunchgrass Meadow and Hidden Lake sites. Both sites are at about 5000 feet in elevation. At this point, Priest Lake inflow from runoff will likely decline and Priest River flow through the outlet dam will similarly be reduced until the lake level is stabilized for the recreation season. The lake level will be stabilized in accordance with Idaho Code 70-507.
As Idaho Code 70-507 specifies, the type-of-year designation determines whether the lake level will be stabilized at 3.0 feet (for wet years) or between 3.0 to 3.5 feet (for dry years). We’ve reviewed current information shown below from several agencies to make the type-of-year determination.
- The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) forecast issued in early May shows below average values of streamflow volume are expected for the Priest River basin.
- In accordance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a Seasonal Outlook for temperature and precipitation that predicts hotter and dryer-than-normal conditions for North Idaho in the June-July-August timeframe.
- The US Drought Monitor continues to report that current conditions are abnormally dry for the Idaho panhandle.
- Furthermore, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports soil moistures of 10% or less in the Idaho Panhandle, suggesting very dry conditions.
- On June 11th, the Northwest River Forecast Center of NOAA issued a water supply forecast for the USGS “Priest River near Priest River” site for the months of April through September that is 82% of normal (or below average).
Current predictions continue to all point to a “dry” type of year, and therefore, operations are currently underway to hold the lake level between 3.0 and 3.5 feet during the recreation season. Specifically, IDWR plans to stabilize the lake to between 3.31 and 3.44 feet. Once flow in the Priest River near Coolin River flow drops to 200 cfs, the lake level will be allowed to drop gradually to 3.0 feet through September 30th.
Another update will be released in the July timeframe.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
May 13, 2025
As of this announcement date, peak runoff has not occurred, though it is approaching. The lake will peak soon after. The goal will be to have the lake to at least 3.0 feet by Friday, May 23rd. Weather and precipitation will influence the level the lake peaks at as well as the time it reaches peak. Once peak lake level has occurred, the lake level will be stabilized through gate operations.
As you’re likely aware, the type-of-year designation determines whether the lake level will be stabilized at 3.0 feet (for wet years) or between 3.0 to 3.5 feet (for dry years), in accordance with Idaho Code 70-507. We’ve reviewed information from several agencies to make the type-of-year determination.
- The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) forecast issued in early May shows below average values of streamflow volume are expected for the Priest River basin.
- In accordance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released a Seasonal Outlook for temperature and precipitation that predicts hotter and dryer-than-normal conditions for North Idaho in the May through July timeframe.
- The US Drought Monitor reports current conditions are abnormally dry for the Idaho panhandle.
- Furthermore, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reports soil moistures of 10% or less in the Idaho Panhandle, suggesting drought conditions.
These predictions all point to a “dry” type of year, and therefore, operations are planned to hold the lake level between 3.0 and 3.5 feet during the recreation season. Specifically, IDWR plans to hold the lake at 3.38 feet early in the recreation season. Once flow in the Priest River drops to 200 cfs (likely in July or August), the lake level will be allowed to drop gradually from its current level to 3.0 feet through September 30th to augment the river flow.
Additional updates will be released in the May-June timeframe, and any revisions to the plan will be announced then.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
April 14, 2025
This April brings warmer weather, which has led to low elevation snowmelt in the Priest Lake Basin and rising water levels in Priest Lake. All gates are open, and the Priest Lake Outlet Dam is passing maximum flow.
IDWR staff are watching two SNOTEL sites, Bunchgrass Meadow and Hidden Lake. Both sites are at an elevation of about 5000 feet, and snowpack is still holding on at those sites.
The general rule of thumb is that peak flow into Priest Lake occurs when the Hidden Lake site has about 75% melt-out and when the Bunchgrass Meadow site has about 60% melt-out. Below are the links to the SNOTEL charts for both sites. Based on projections made by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), peak lake level is likely to occur between the end of May and the end of June.
Bunchgrass Meadow: AWS Plot
Hidden Lake: AWS Plot
The current water level for Priest Lake is 1.86 feet:
(Priest Lake at Outlet NR Coolin ID – USGS Water Data for the Nation)
The rising lake level is on track to exceed 3 feet by Memorial Day Weekend. Keep in mind that the lake fills with basin runoff, and peak lake level and timing of the peak lake level depend on weather conditions. It’s likely that the lake will peak above 3.5 feet this year, after which the lake level will recede.
The Department’s hydrologists are seeing preliminary predictions for a dry year; however, that could change if the Priest River Basin receives additional precipitation. If this is a dry year, the Department will “catch” the lake level as it falls and aim to hold the lake level between 3.0 and 3.5 feet once the lake level is stabilized. By about May 7th, the Department will announce the lake level to be held during the first portion of the summer recreation season.
Holding the lake between 3.0 and 3.5 feet allows the Department to maintain the recreation lake level in extreme temperatures and to augment Priest River flow for aquatic habitat in late summer.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
2024 Notices
September 4, 2024 | Fall 2024 Release Announcement and Summer Operations Update
Summer Operations
Construction of the Priest Lake Outlet Dam was complete as of Spring of 2024. One modification at the dam included a six-inch gate height increase to all eleven gates. With the gate height increase, it is now physically possible to hold the lake level at 3.5 feet during the recreation season. The gate height modification was completed in Spring of 2022.
Idaho Legislators updated Idaho Code § 70-507 in 2018 to establish how the lake level will be maintained throughout the recreation season as follows, depending on the anticipated type of water year:
- In dry and marginally dry years, the lake level is to be held between 3.0 and 3.5 feet, and
- In wet to normal years, the lake level is to be held at 3.0 feet.
The dam modifications and corresponding statute revisions were developed to avoid a repeat of the summer of 2015, in which drought led to extreme conditions. That summer, to maintain the required minimum lake level of 3.0 feet, the flow to Priest River below the dam was reduced to 42 cfs. Stakeholders found such low flow in the Priest River to be unacceptable. To prevent similar low flow in the Priest River in dry years, a higher lake level is maintained during the recreational season. In other words, keeping lake levels higher earlier in summer facilitates preservation of higher flow in the Priest River throughout the summer.
As you may be aware, weather and environmental conditions vary significantly from year to year at Priest Lake, and lake operations must accommodate the variation. Considering weather and environmental variations, along with the newer gate height modifications, the Department continues to develop best practices for managing lake levels. The Department invites feedback to help inform future operations, planning, and development of best practices for managing the additional lake level during dry to marginally dry water years. Helpful information would include photos with dates. Please email your feedback to northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov.
Fall 2024 Release
The Fall release of Priest Lake will begin on October 1, 2024. On that date, the lake will be lowered below 3.0 feet. Please plan accordingly.
Please direct any questions or comments to northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or call (208) 762-2800.
April 23, 2024:
May is fast-approaching, and operations are underway to bring the lake level up to the summer recreation level.
As of today, the lake level is at 1.6 feet. IDWR staff members continue to watch two SNOTEL sites, Bunchgrass Meadow and Hidden Lake, both at an elevation of about 5000 feet. Much of the snow at lower elevations has already melted, and staff will monitor the Snotel sites to react to any sudden influxes of high-elevation runoff into the lake.
Here are links to the two SNOTEL sites:
Bunchgrass Meadow: AWS Plot (usda.gov)
Hidden Lake: AWS Plot (usda.gov)
Hydrologists are predicting a warmer-than-average and dryer-than-average summer. Accordingly, the Department will aim to stabilize the lake level to 3.4 feet in the early portion of the recreation season.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
February 16, 2024 | End-of-Construction Update:
Construction at the dam by Northbank Civil and Marine is wrapping up with some final tasks, such as rock placement and gate seal work. Northbank has begun the process of demobilizing. Normal gate operation is expected to resume by early next week. As you are likely aware, the construction limited the flow through the dam to a maximum of 800 cfs over the winter months. At the same time, rain-on-snow and warmer temperatures led to significant inflow into the lake. This combination of circumstances caused lake levels to increase through the winter months. The current lake level is 2.53 feet.
The plan for the next few weeks is to bring the lake level down to approximately 1.5 feet and to hold that level while monitoring the Snotel sites (see links below). Both sites are near 65% of normal snow water equivalent. Drought conditions are predicted to continue in Northern Idaho through September. Subsequent gate operations and lake level management will depend on the speed at which the runoff comes out of the Priest River basin.
Snotel sites:
Bunchgrass Meadow: AWS Plot (usda.gov)
Hidden Lake: AWS Plot (usda.gov)
As for prior years, the goal will be to have the lake level to at least 3.0 feet by Memorial Day.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
2023 Notices
December 2023 Construction Update:
Construction at the dam continues in full swing by Northbank Civil and Marine. In this construction phase, 100% of the flow through the dam is being directed through a constructed flume within the dam. This creates a dewatered area on the south side of the dam that allows for construction to occur. It appears that the project is on schedule to pour concrete at the south side of the dam prior to mid-December. The construction crew will pause for the holidays and then resume after the new year. In the meantime, IDWR will continue to pass all water through the dam via the constructed flume until construction on the south side is complete. The flume capacity is nearly 800 cfs. Precipitation, including rain on snow, has led to — and will likely continue to lead to — greater inflow to the lake, which leads to increases in the lake level.
The purpose of this update is to provide information about these atypical operations and to reiterate that these are temporary measures due to specific construction activities. The Department will continue to provide periodic updates during the project.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
November 2023 | Construction Update:
As many of you are aware, mobilization and construction on the Priest Lake Outlet Dam resumed on October 16, 2023. Idaho Department of Water Resources is working with the construction company, Northbank Civil and Marine, to facilitate successful completion of the project. You may have recently noticed that the lake reached the .1-foot mark on November 1, 2023. For the two weeks following November 1, the Department will work with Northbank as they construct a cofferdam. (This effort directs 100% of the flow through a constructed flume to allow for construction of the concrete pad on the south side of the river.) The Department is, therefore, operating gates to reduce flow to about 100 cfs during the day to enable construction activities to proceed. During non-construction hours, the Department will operate gates to increase flow through the dam to 400 cfs or more. Due to the rain and day-time gate closures, the lake is rising, and it is currently at .25 feet.
The purpose of this update is to provide information about these atypical operations and to inform you that these are temporary measures due to specific construction activities. The Department anticipates typical winter operations to resume by mid-November. The Department will provide periodic updates during the project.
Fall 2023:
On October 1, 2023, IDWR will begin releasing the lake level at Priest Lake below 3.0 feet. This will allow construction to resume at the Priest Lake Outlet Dam this Fall/Winter. The primary construction efforts will take place on the south side of the dam and include extension of the downstream concrete pad and the addition of boulders downstream of the dam for added scour protection.
Drawdown gate operations will lead to flow increases in the Priest River that will range between 100 and 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) at a time. To enable the construction crew to begin work as soon as possible, three operations will occur daily between October 1 and October 5. Those three operations each day will cumulatively result in daily increases of less than 1000 cfs for the day. The lake level will likely drop to 2.0 feet prior to October 8. The lake level will continue through the remainder of October to decline to the winter lake level.
Please stay clear of the dam to avoid fast-moving water both upstream and downstream of the dam for your safety.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
May 15, 2023:
May’s warm temperatures melted much of the snow in the Priest Lake basin. Priest Lake levels peaked once last week and could peak again as snow continues to melt.
As of today, the lake level is 4.21 feet (ft), with and flow through the dam is 5360 cubic feet per second (cfs). Department staff continue to watch two SNOTEL sites, Bunchgrass Meadow and Hidden Lake, both at an elevation of about 5000 ft. The general rule of thumb is peak flow into Priest Lake occurs when the Hidden Lake site has about 75% melt-out and when the Bunchgrass Meadow site has about 60% melt-out. These melt-out conditions (75% and 60%) are approaching with the warmer temperatures. Below are links to the SNOTEL charts for both the Bunchgrass Meadow and Hidden Lake sites.
Bunchgrass Meadow: AWS Plot (usda.gov)
Hidden Lake: AWS Plot (usda.gov)
Once peak inflow and a corresponding peak lake level occur, the gates will be operated to maintain the lake level for summer recreation. The Department’s hydrologists are predicting a dry year, and the Department will aim to stabilize the lake level at 3.2 to 3.3 ft through the summer months.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
April 2023:
As of early April, rain and warmer temperatures have led to rising water levels in Priest Lake. IDWR staff are watching two SNOTEL sites, Bunchgrass Meadow and Hidden Lake. Both sites are at an elevation of about 5000 feet and may receive more snow this season before a reduction in snow occurs. It is difficult to know when peak flow will occur each year. The general rule of thumb is that peak flow into Priest Lake occurs when the Hidden Lake site has about 75% melt-out and when the Bunchgrass Meadow site has about 60% melt-out. Below are the links to the SNOTEL charts for both sites.
Bunchgrass Meadow: AWS Plot (usda.gov)
Hidden Lake: AWS Plot (usda.gov)
Snow is presently melting at lower elevations in the Priest Lake Basin. As snow continues to melt and the Priest Lake water level steadily rises, the outlet dam gates will be managed to pass some runoff through the dam. The Department’s goal is to have the lake level at 3 feet by Memorial Day Weekend. Keep in mind that peak lake level and timing of the peak lake level is determined by Mother Nature.
The Department’s hydrologists are seeing preliminary predictions for a dry year; however, that could change if the Priest River Basin continues to receive precipitation. If this is a dry year, the Department will likely aim to hold the lake around 3.2 feet once the lake level is stabilized.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
2022 Notices
September 2022:
IDWR will begin drawing down Priest Lake on October 10th this year. Flows through the Outlet Dam will increase daily to achieve the winter lake level by November 1. This will facilitate kokanee spawning and accommodate boat and dock winterizing needs along the shoreline. Construction and hydrologic conditions vary annually, which guide the operation decisions. This winter, construction work on the dam will not take place other than on-site surveying. Construction is anticipated to resume next October of 2023.
For questions contact Michelle Richman, IDWR Northern Regional Manager, northerninfo@idwr.idaho.gov or (208) 762-2800.
Additional Information
Priest Lake at Outlet Near Coolin ID gage (USGS No. 12393000)
Priest River Outflow near Coolin, ID (USGS No. 12393501)
The IWRB’s Priest Lake Water Management Project
Contacts
Email: Priest Lake Management Team
Phone: (208) 762-2800