RIVER RUNNING -- Avista has lifted its recreation closure on the Spokane River at Post Falls.

With runoff subsiding, the utility has closed the gates on Post Falls Dam, which allows recreational use to resume in the water between the Spokane Street Bridge and the boat restraining systems just upstream of the dam.

The City of Post Falls boat launch at Q’emiln Park was opened to the public on Monday, weeks later than normal.

Typically, the boat launch is opened sometime between Memorial Day and the July 4 holiday, Avista officials said. The median date for closing the gates is June 22.

This year, cool spring temperatures and a lingering, heavy snowpackcaused longer than normal high water flows, which delayed the opening of the boat launch.

For current information on lake leve changes on Coeur d’ Alene Lake, Lake Spokane and the Spokane River, call:

Idaho, (208) 769-1357;

Washington, (509) 495-8043.

OR check online.