September 6, 2011 in City, Idaho

Fall drawdown of Lake Coeur d’Alene begins

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Avista today begins its annual fall drawdown of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The lake will be lowered about one foot from full pool by the end of the month, then an additional 1.5 feet per month until it reaches its winter level, the Spokane utility company said.

Property owners and boaters should take measures to secure docks and boats for the winter season during this period, Avista said.

As part of its federal license to operate the Spokane River Hydroelectric Project, including Post Falls Dam, Avista is required to maintain the level of the lake at a summer full-pool elevation of 2,128 feet from as early as practical in the spring until the day after Labor Day.

The slow drawdown will increase flows of the Spokane River downstream of Post Falls, and will slightly decrease river levels between the lake and Post Falls bridge. The river should remain open for recreation until November, but river levels can fluctuate at any time depending upon weather and dam operations.

Three comments on this story so far. Add yours!

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  DHF on September 06 at 11:27 a.m.

  I thought Fall began on the 23rd. What is the rush when the temp is going to be in the 90s

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  oneanddone on September 06 at 11:27 a.m.

  How long before Avista decides that their agreement to maintain a summer water level is inconvenient and abrogates it. Something like Hagadone stealing the 3rd street dock, via the Cda city council.

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  bartm on September 06 at 3:26 p.m.

  As a clarification - the whole Spokane River does not close for recreation in November. The section that closes is between Lake CDA and the Post Falls dam.

  Bart Mihailovich
  Spokane Riverkeeper