Lake Cd'A drawdown begins

Avista Utilities on Tuesday began its annual fall drawdown of Lake Coeur d'Alene.

The lake will be gradually lowered about a foot from full pool by the end of September and an additional 1.5 feet per month thereafter until reaching its winter level.

Property owners and boaters should take measures to secure docks and boats for the winter season during this period.

As part of Avista's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license to operate its Spokane River hydroelectric project, which includes Post Falls Dam, Avista is required to maintain the level of the lake at the summer full-pool elevation of 2,128 feet from as early as practical in the spring until the Tuesday after Labor Day.

The slow drawdown will increase flows in the Spokane River downstream of Post Falls and will slightly decrease river levels between the lake and Post Falls Spokane Street bridge.

Spillgates at Post Falls Dam will not be opened for the drawdown and the river should remain open for recreation until November.

However, river users should be aware that water levels can fluctuate at any time depending upon weather and dam operations.

Avista has a 24-hour telephone information line that provides notification of anticipated elevation changes on the lake, Lake Spokane and the Spokane River during the subsequent 24-hour and one-week periods.

In Idaho, call 769-1357. The recorded information is provided to advise shoreline property owners, commercial and recreational users of changes in the lake and river elevation levels that may affect plans for water use.