Overview
Lake Pend Oreille is Idaho's largest lake - about 95,000 acres - and one of the deepest in the United States, in the Idaho Panhandle near Sandpoint. Outlet levels are regulated at Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District. Pend Oreille is often listed among the deepest lakes in the United States, with trenches exceeding 1,000 feet.
Average depth is about 466 feet and maximum depth about 1,152 feet, with on the order of 111+ miles of mountainous shoreline. Deep trenches, the Clark Fork delta, and steep forested shores create a fjord-like inland sea. The Clark Fork delta and Pack River flats contrast with steep drop-offs along the main stem near Bayview.
Kamloops rainbow trout, bull trout, lake trout, and bass fisheries are managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Public ramps, state parks, and community waterfronts support boating and fishing. Sandpoint, Bayview, and Hope are primary service communities for ramps, marinas, and charters.
Corps operations typically hold summer elevations near 2,062-2,062.5 feet and draw toward a winter pool near 2,051 feet, with flood references near 2,064 feet. Monitoring current lake levels is important for docks, marinas, and shoreline access. Albeni Falls seasonal drafts are coordinated with Columbia River system needs downstream in Washington.
Current Conditions
Lake Pend Oreille is currently 0.68 feet below full pool and has remained relatively stable over the past seven days.
- 7-day trendStableLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.06 ft
- 30-day changeDown 0.05 ft
- Drought conditionsSevere Drought
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Lake Pend Oreille is a 94,720-acre reservoir on the Clark Fork River managed by USACE Seattle District (Albeni Falls Dam).