Mother Nature is telling us there will be an earlier-than-usual start to the water recreation season. Area stream flows are forecast to be near record lows, according to a report released this week by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. "Above-normal summer temperatures are expected, and the meager mountain snow that remains will not sustain flows in most of Idaho's streams for long," the report states. "Pull out your hiking shoes, fishing poles, bikes and boats and get ready to take advantage of Idaho's many outdoor recreational opportunities a little early this year." Avista Utilities, which maintains summer water levels of Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Spokane River with its Post Falls dam, could start to close the structure's gates about a month early this year in May due to low amounts of runoff, said Casey Fielder, a company spokeswoman/Brian Walker, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here. (Shawn Gust's Press photo of Post Falls dam flowing)

Question: When do you plan to take to the water this year?

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