On Jan. 19, the River Falls City Council, along with the City’s Utility Advisory Board (UAB), decided not to repair Powell Falls Dam – one of two dams/hydro facilities in River Falls – which was damaged in the June 2020 flood. As a result, Lake Louise, a 15-acre impoundment above the dam, will not be refilled after a drawn down was completed in October 2020 to prepare for an investigation of the dam structure.

“The inspection revealed that the dam is not in imminent danger of failing, though the cost of repairing it is high,” said City Utility Director Kevin Westhuis.

He said that the estimated repair cost is $100,000 compared to approximately $70,000 in revenue generated from hydroelectric production between now and 2023 when the dam and hydro are scheduled for decommissioning. “Because of the cost/revenue imbalance, the Council and Board decided to forgo any major repairs,” said Westhuis.

He said some minor repairs are scheduled for completion in 2021 to help mitigate water level changes in Lake Louise during and after larger rain events. Repairs include fixing the dam’s gate and removing the turbine, as well as removing some sediment downstream of the dam. Powell Falls Dam removal and site restoration are expected to be completed by 2026.

“The decision not to make major repairs was not made lightly, as City Council and UAB members have long been ardent supporters of green energy production,” said Mayor Dan Toland.

“After three hours of thoughtful deliberation, we concluded that this was the best course of action,” said Toland. “I am thankful for the leadership that the Council and UAB have provided – and continue to provide – throughout this complicated and exhausting relicensing and implementation process. I also want to thank the community for their work in reimagining our Kinnickinnic River Corridor and supporting the tasks ahead.”

Westhuis said that the City’s upper dam, Junction Falls, and its hydro facility as well as the dam’s impoundment, Lake George, will most likely remain intact and in operation until the mid-2030’s with expected dam removal by 2040.

For more information about the relicensing process and recent updates, visit rfcity.org/relicensing.