The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
56°F
Current Conditions
Few clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

Avista to lower Long Lake reservoir

The Spokane River, dubbed Long Lake or Lake Spokane behind the Long Lake Dam, pools behind the dam, which generates the most power of any dam on the river, Tuesday, July 9, 2008. Avista Corp. will start lowering the reservoir behind Long Lake Dam starting Friday. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman Review)
The Spokane River, dubbed Long Lake or Lake Spokane behind the Long Lake Dam, pools behind the dam, which generates the most power of any dam on the river, Tuesday, July 9, 2008. Avista Corp. will start lowering the reservoir behind Long Lake Dam starting Friday. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman Review)
Beginning Friday, Avista Corp. will start lowering the reservoir behind Long Lake Dam. Water levels will drop about a foot per day over the next two to three weeks to help control Eurasian milfoil, an invasive water weed. The 14-foot drawdown from summer lake levels also allows waterfront property owners to undertake state and locally permitted shoreline projects. Avista officials said property owners and lake-users should prepare for the shifting ice and low water conditions by removing boats from the water, securing docks and boathouses and taking other measures to prevent property damage. Boaters should be alert to changing water levels. Weather conditions and dam maintenance work can affect the drawdown rate. For updates, call Avista’s Lake Information Line at (509) 495-8043.