Water levels in Hells Canyon Reservoir may fluctuate more than usual through the end of the year as work continues on the spillway at Oxbow Dam.

Anglers, boaters, and others working or recreating along the reservoir should be aware of changing water levels, which may vary by several feet.

Signs will be posted at docks and boat ramps to alert boaters to the change.

As part of the company’s work to maintain and upgrade its hydroelectric facilities, Idaho Power began a construction project to repair portions of the Oxbow Dam spillway in 2025.

Located 13 miles downstream of Brownlee Dam, Oxbow was completed in 1961. It was the second dam of the Hells Canyon Project and can generate 190 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 145,000 homes.

About Idaho Power
Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company has a long history of safely providing reliable, affordable, clean energy. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s residential, business, and agricultural customers pay among the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,100 employees proudly serve more than 670,000 metered customers, in a service area of 1.4 million people, with a culture of safety first, integrity always, and respect for all.
—
Brad Bowlin
Communications Specialist
bbowlin@idahopower.com
208-388-2803