Dworshak Dam tests may cause river flow changes

AHSAHKA - Water discharges from Dworshak Dam near here are expected to fluctuate through the weekend, as contractors conduct a series of tests on its main hydroelectric generator in preparation to return the unit to service.

The dam's unit No. 3, its largest, has been out of service since September of 2016 while being overhauled.

The series of mechanical and electric tests will continue until the unit is fully back in service. Testing will include numerous starts and stops of the unit at various water flows.

Officials from the Army Corps of Engineers do not expect any significant rises in river level, but said flows and currents will change. The changing conditions are likely to affect fishing conditions for spring chinook below the dam.