Spill gates close; boat ramp to open

Avista Utilities announced Friday that it closed the spill gates at the Post Falls Dam for normal summer operation.

That will allow the boat ramp at Q’emiln Park on the Spokane River in Post Falls to be open for the remainder of the season, subject to weather conditions.

Heavy rain could require reopening the spill gates to avoid flooding, Avista said in a news release. In that case, city regulations require that the boat ramp be closed until the spill gates are shut again.

The level of Lake Coeur d’Alene is nearing the normal summer elevation. Avista will attempt to maintain a level of 2,128 feet above sea level through Labor Day, the release said.