Idaho set to upgrade Priest Lake outlet dam and keep Thorofare navigable

The Idaho Water Resource Board will spend $2.4 million on upgrades to Priest Lake, including work on the outlet dam and improvements to the Thorofare linking the upper and lower lakes.

The upgrades would allow the surface level of Priest Lake to be raised by a few inches in dry years to ensure there’s enough water in the lake to maintain flows in Priest River. Lake operations wouldn’t change in normal water years.

The water board voted to draw the money from a surplus in one of its accounts, and will seek legislative approval to transfer the funds.

Gov. Butch Otter is recommending $2.4 million in state general funds for the ongoing project next year.