POST FALLS, Idaho — The National Weather Service sent out a flash flood watch alert on Monday morning that Avista said was prematurely sent.
Around 10 a.m. on October 29, NWS sent out a flash flood watch after a crane tipped over at the Post Falls North Channel Dam, raising concerns about potential damage.
One person was injured in the accident and taken to a nearby hospital.
Avista said no structural damage was done to the dam and there was no threat of the dam failing.
“There was no immediate threat to the dam, no substantial damage to the gates or the concrete structure,” said Ryan Bean, Plant Operations and Maintenance Manager at Post Falls Dam.
Bean said Avista contacted NWS before they could assess any potential damage and warned them about possible dam failure, even though it was unlikely.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the personnel on site initiated that action plan before they could make an immediate inspection. It took some time to make the site safe so we could get out there and make sure that we could actually put eyes on it,” said Bean.
He said that by the time the dam was properly inspected, the NWS had already sent out the flood watch alert.
NWS said they sent the alert out according to their procedure.
“When there is potential for dam failure, on our end, we issue a flash flood watch,” said Daniel Butler, Meteorologist at National Weather Service.
He also emphasized the difference between a “watch” and a “warning.” A “watch” means there is no imminent danger, whereas a “warning” would mean flash flooding is imminent or already happening.
Avista said it is working on finding a safe way to remove the crane from the dam.
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