Albeni Falls Dam, Hydroelectric power station and gravity dam in Bonner County, US
Albeni Falls Dam is a concrete structure that spans across the Pend Oreille River between Oldtown and Priest River in northern Idaho. It holds back water to create a reservoir while housing generators and overflow channels that manage the river flow.
The project started in 1951 and was completed in 1955 as part of broader efforts to manage water resources and provide electricity to the Pacific Northwest. It represented a major investment in the region's infrastructure during that period.
The name comes from a waterfall associated with Albeni Poirier, an early settler in the region. Today, locals and visitors recognize the structure as a landmark that shaped the area's development.
The structure is visible from nearby roads and can be viewed from several public vantage points along the river. Access to certain operational areas is restricted for safety reasons, so plan your visit to use designated viewing areas.
The facility uses specialized turbine designs that handle large water volumes efficiently, a technology that was advanced for its era. This engineering approach allows the operation to maintain stable function across varying water levels.
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