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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Snow, floods may alter holiday plans

From Staff Reports The Spokesman-Review

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer recreation season for many Inland Northwest families. But Mother Nature is conspiring to keep folks away from many favorite spots – either because of the week’s floods or the mountain snowpack.

Here’s the rundown:

“Mount Spokane State Park – State staff have not yet determined what it will take to repair flood-damaged Mt. Spokane Park Drive, the primary access to the park. But it’s unlikely to open this weekend.

“Little Spokane River Natural Area – Flooding at launch sites has prompted the closure of the parking lots near Saint George’s School and Painted Rocks. Canoeists should stay off the water, said Mac Mikkelsen, natural area ranger. Some foot trails can’t be reached.

“Riverside State Park – The Nine Mile day-use area near Fort Spokane is closed to vehicles, but foot traffic is permitted. The Lake Spokane boat launch remains open, but “the water is ripping. … I have a boat and I wouldn’t launch it now,” Mikkelsen said. “We hate to be the fun police, but we want people to be safe.”

“Centennial Trail – About a mile of the trail remained flooded Tuesday along Upriver Drive, roughly between Mission and Green streets in Spokane. Until the water goes down, authorities won’t be able to determine whether the trail is damaged, said Kaye Turner, executive director of the Friends of the Centennial Trail.

“Colville National Forest – Campgrounds at Browns Lake and Skookum Lake remain closed because of snow. “I’ve worked here seven years, and this is the first time” there have been snow closures on Memorial Day weekend, said Debbie Wilkins, recreational specialist for the Newport and Sullivan Lake ranger districts.

“Clearwater National Forest – Deep snow is delaying the opening of some campgrounds.

“Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge – Designated campgrounds are open.

“Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area – All campgrounds are open, and the reservoir is rising at the rate of about 2 feet a day. At that rate, there should be enough water to use about half of the 22 boat launches by the start of the long weekend. But as the water rises, it will pick up logs and branches that have accumulated on the shoreline, meaning boaters must be on the lookout for floating debris.

“Idaho Panhandle National Forest – Most campgrounds in the Coeur d’Alene ranger district remain closed by flooding. Many trails above 3,500 feet and some access roads are snowed in. The popular Emerald Creek Garnet Area in the St. Joe Ranger District remains closed because of snow and the threat of flooding.