Crane crashes into Post Falls Dam, triggering alarm

POST FALLS — A crane crash at the 118-year-old Post Falls Dam triggered emergency flood warnings and the closure of the nearby park Tuesday morning as officials assessed possible damage to critical infrastructure.

The industrial accident, which occurred just after 9 a.m. at the North Channel Dam Spillway, prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for the Spokane River corridor. According to multiple reports, a contractor suffered injuries when the crane fell onto the century-old structure.

“We have an emergency response plan system in place at every hydroelectric facility,” said Avista communications manager Annie Gannon, noting that this is the first incident of its kind at the falls. “Out of caution, they go up the steps.”

Rescue workers rushed to secure the area while dam safety engineers conducted structural assessments.

Jared Webley, communications manager at Avista, said the notifications are sent out at the discretion of the NWS.

“There are two categories: impending failure and potential failure,” Webley said. “If it’s a potential failure, it’s up to them what they send out.”

If the risk had been greater, Webley said, the contingency plan includes “hypotheticals that could cover anything from a rupture to a full breach.”

Avista notified the NWS at 9:20 a.m. about the crane impacting the dam. At around 9:30 a.m., emergency services determined that there had been no damage to the dam.

The incident briefly interrupted a renovation project at the dam, which has been generating electricity since 1906. Current construction, scheduled through 2027, includes replacing nine spillway gates and upgrading the facility's electrical systems.

Avista remains in full control of the water flow and Post Falls Police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community. However, the cause of the crane failure is still under investigation.

There is currently no timetable for the park's reopening.

“It will be closed for a while,” Webley said.

Falls Park and the Post Falls pier are temporarily closed while Avista works with contractors to determine the safe removal of the crane.

Avista Utilities employees discuss the Falls Park project, which was temporarily closed after a crane failed Tuesday morning.