In brief: River is risky, sheriff warns

High water flow, cold temperatures, and construction pose a risk to boaters and swimmers on the Spokane River, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office says.

The Barker Road Bridge is open to vehicles, but boaters could be in danger as construction crews remove pylons, and high water causes debris to stack up, officials said.

Until Oct. 14, motorized vessels are prohibited on the river from the Plantes Ferry Centennial Trail Bridge to Barker Road, and west from the Spokane city limits to Plese Flats. Life jackets are required to be worn by any person on the river from the Idaho state line to Plantes Ferry, officials said.