Dirt Moves at Winchester Dam

Construction work began at Winchester Dam in the Clearwater Region recently. Rebuilding the dam and road at Winchester State Park has been planned since the dam was found inadequate by safety authorities. The project was part of the package when the Idaho legislature approved higher resident Fish and Game license fees in 2000. About $250,000 will fund the project. The 104-acre Winchester Lake is part of a popular fishing and camping area for Idahoans in the region and for travelers. When work is done, visitors will see a substantially different looking dam that will be capable of handling a 500-year flood. Currently, flood waters can top the road at the dam. Fishing will improve in the lake because a new flume and siphon will allow holding the pool at desired levels. Work is being done with the cooperation of the Idaho Department of Transportation and is expected to be completed in about a month and a half.