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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Rain forecast prompts additional 3-foot drop in Lake Spokane

Long Lake Dam on the Spokane River west of Spokane creates Lake Spokane.
 (Avista)
Long Lake Dam on the Spokane River west of Spokane creates Lake Spokane. (Avista)

RESERVOIRS -- If you thought the level of Lake Spokane was already low this week, you were right, but you haven't seen anything yet.

Avista announced plans Thursday afternoon to reduce water levels in Lake Spokane in preparation for the unusually high amount of rain forecasted.

The reservoir already is drawn down 3 feet starting Oct. 1 to accommodate construction activity at Long Lake Dam.

The additional drawdown will lower the level as much as ANOTHER 3 feet.

Lake Spokane could be down as much as six feet through the end of the year, officials said.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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