Spokane River not as safe

Mon., Sept. 10, 2012

Your article about the Boise whitewater park development was interesting. It’s nice to see positive articles.

But when it comes to a Spokane whitewater park, I don’t think it’s fair to compare what Boise has to Spokane. The Spokane River is dangerous for virtually its entire length. The area being touted for the park is a very short distance below a major waterfall, the current is treacherous and, because of the various hydroelectric projects on the river, flow can change rapidly.

Maybe there are solutions to the safety issues that exist, but I think prudence would dictate a very cautious approach to putting a whitewater park anywhere on the Spokane River. We have too many drownings each year as it is.

Suzanne Harris

Spokane

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