Q'emiln Park boat launch to close

POST FALLS - The boat launch at Q'emiln Park will close for the season on Nov. 5 as a result of Avista Utilities' annual drawdown of Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Spokane River levels above the dam will be approximately 2.5 feet below the summer full-pool elevation of 2,128 feet on Nov. 5. Water levels may drop by as much as 5 additional feet by the end of January. Water levels are subject to change due to weather conditions.

The boat launch must remain closed for safety reasons whenever water is spilled through gates at the Post Falls Dam.

Updated information on water levels for Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Spokane River can be obtained by calling 769-1357.

Meanwhile, a project to replace the lifting hoists and old timber intake gates at the dam will continue into the winter until completion.

The work will update a system that is more than 100 years old in places, enhance safety and increase reliability and efficiency at the dam.

This week Avista temporarily opened spillgates at the dam to test the operation of the first new gate.