Avista to begin Lake Cd'A drawdown
<p>Avista Utilities is scheduled to begin its annual Lake Coeur d'Alene draw down on Tuesday.</p>
POST FALLS - Avista will start its annual fall drawdown of Lake Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday.
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 Lake Coeur d'Alene at or near 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.
Spill gates 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.
Customers can access waterflow information at avistautilities.com/waterflow or by calling 769-1357. You will find notification of anticipated elevation changes on Lake Spokane, the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d'Alene.
The recorded information is provided to advise shoreline property owners and commercial and recreational users of changes in the lake and river elevation levels which may affect plans for water use.