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Post Falls Dam on the Spokane River. |
This has been quite a year for unusual weather. All the rain we’ve had is increasing the flow of water into Coeur d’Alene Lake. Our federal license doesn’t permit us to let the lake go above its summer level of 2,128 ft. above sea level. So to keep that from happening we’ve been letting as much water as possible spill over the dam at Post Falls. When the river runs fast, as it is now, this causes the water level to drop in the stretch of the Spokane River upstream of the dam.
If the weather cooperates the river should start to rise later this week. And even though this is an unusual year for weather, it’s normal for the river to fluctuate until around the Fourth of July, when we are typically able to close the spill gates at the dam and hold the lake level steady.
We’re looking at some ways to improve communications with river users, but please remember that conditions can change very quickly and use caution on the water.
-For current information on Spokane River flows and Coeur d'Alene Lake elevation (includes anticipated changes in flow and elevation for the coming week) call 208-769-1357.
-For current information on Spokane River flows and Lake Spokane elevation (includes anticipated changes in flow and elevation for the coming week) call 509-495-8043.