Spokane River closed in Post Falls area

Boating and swimming will remain prohibited in the Spokane River between the Spokane Street Bridge and the Post Falls Dam during the holiday weekend, Avista officials said today. “Last week’s heavy rainfall in North Idaho has resulted in higher than normal flows in the Spokane River and Avista must spill the extra water,” said Hugh Imhof, an Avista spokesman said. “Because of the open spill gates, it is not safe to be in the water above the dam and a Post Falls city ordinance prevents river use in that area.” Once the spill gates have been closed people will be allowed back in the water, officials said. “In recent years the median date for closing the gates has been June 18, however the date has occurred as late as July 8 in 2008 and as early as May 22 in 2005,” Imhof said. “The river above the Spokane Street Bridge and Coeur d’Alene Lake are accessible with several relatively close public boat launches open,” Imhof said. “They include the launch at Blackwell Island, Third Street Launch, Higgins Point, Boothe’s Landing and Mica Bay.” For current information on Spokane River flows and Coeur d’Alene Lake elevation (includes anticipated changes in flow and elevation for the coming week) call (208) 769-1357. For information on Spokane River flows and Lake Spokane elevation (includes anticipated changes in flow and elevation for the coming week) call (509) 495-8043. Links to weather and water flow information are available on the Avista Utilities web site.