Spokane River drops below flood stage

The Spokane River dropped below flood stage by Tuesday, but a new round of Pacific storms is going to keep the region’s rivers at high flows for now.

On Wednesday, the river was measured at 26.5 feet at the gage west of downtown. Flood stage is 27 feet.

The Spokane Falls was still still roaring and drawing crowds. Wednesday afternoon, families with school kids on spring break flocked to the falls at Riverfront Park.

Forecasts call for the river to remain high for some time.

A new round of rain starting Thursday along with a healthy mountain snowpack will ensure strong flows.

This incoming batch of storms is expected to bring soaking rain on Friday with showers persisting through the weekend.

As much as a half to three-quarters of an inch are possible. Mountain areas could see heavier precipitation.

“One round of rain and high mountain snow will arrive Thursday, a second wet system comes on Friday, followed by showery and cooler weather for Saturday,” according to National Weather Service forecasters.

Forecasters said the incoming storm will keep up the risk of landslides and other flooding problems across the region.

The Little Spokane River may swell to near flood stage this weekend.

The St. Joe River at St. Maries was expected to drop below Wednesday night but should return to flood stage on Saturday.

The Kootenai River at Bonners Ferry was predicted to have elevated flow through the weekend.

The Spokane River flow is expected to level off and remain at about 26 feet, which translates into 27,000 cubic feet per second.

Snowpack levels continue to be healthy. The Inland Northwest mountains were at 100 percent of normal on Monday.

Above-normal snowpacks are reported in north-central Washington and the Cascades.