Albeni Falls Dam
Albeni Falls Dam is a concrete dam located in Bonner County, Idaho, built in 1955. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Albeni Falls Dam
The primary purpose of Albeni Falls Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Usace - Seattle District (federal). It impounds the Pend Oreille River near Newport.
The dam stands 180 feet tall and stretches 1,055 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 94,600 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,155,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 24,200 square miles. Completed in 1955, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/28/2025.
At 180 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Idaho dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Idaho |
| County | Bonner |
| Nearest City | Newport |
| River/Stream | Pend Oreille River |
| Coordinates | 48.17958, -116.99965 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 180 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,055 ft |
| Year Completed | 1955 (71 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,155,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,155,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,153,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 94,600 acres |
| Drainage Area | 24,200 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 420,000 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Controlled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Hydroelectric |
| Owner | USACE - Seattle District |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 04/28/2025 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | ID00319 |
| Federal ID | ID00319 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |