Water levels allow spillway gates at Post Falls Dam to be closed, allowing boat access to the river. However, opening of the boat launch at Q'emiln Park will be delayed several weeks due to ongoing reconstruction at the South Channel Dam.


May 21, 2015: Avista is advising Spokane River users thatriver recreation is now permitted in the area between the Spokane Street Bridge and the boater safety cables located just upstream of the Post Falls Dam. River flows have dropped sufficiently to allow all of the spillway gates at the hydroelectric facility to be closed.

The City of Post Falls' Q'emiln Park boat launch will not open to the public until the equipment being used for the South Channel Dam Rehabilitation Project has been removed and vehicles with trailers can safely navigate the parking lot. The boat launch opens, on average, about June 22nd each year. Avista hopes to have the area near the launch cleared by mid-June so the launch can open soon thereafter. We will keep river users informed as soon as we know the firm schedule.

The Q'emiln Park swim beach is open but the area will not have lifeguards on duty until the Park's normal schedule begins after school is out. Park visitors are reminded of ongoing upgrades at Post Falls Dam, and should be alert to signs and stay out of designated construction areas. Information on the upgrades is available at www.avistautilities.com/postfalls. Should unforeseen conditions arise and spill gates need to be opened, boaters and park visitors will be notified and temporary closure signs will be posted.

River users should always be alert and aware that weather conditions and dam operations can cause rapid changes in water levels. Please exercise caution when using the waterways and always wear a life jacket when boating. For current information on anticipated elevation changes on Coeur d' Alene Lake and the Spokane River, see Avista's water information website at AvistaUtilities.com/Waterflow.


About Avista Utilities
AvistaUtilities is involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy. We provide energy services and electricity to 369,000 customers and natural gas to 329,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.6 million. Avista Utilities is an operating division of Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA). For more information, please visit www.avistautilities.com.

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