Dam maintenance, bridge repair and weather effecting river levels

Spokane River flows dropped quickly this year. The Spokane gauge shows river flow to be about 5,300 cfs (cubic feet per second). Dating back 125 years, this is less than half the median flow.

Dam maintenance and bridge work are also affecting river recreational and safety conditions.

Upriver Dam, owned by the City of Spokane and located by Felt’s Field in the Valley, the spillway is being rehabilitated. Starting on June 22, the reservoir behind the dam will be lowered by 2 feet for six months. This will expose additional shoreline and affect various recreational activities. Click here for more information.

Long Lake Dam, owned by Avista and located at the farthest downstream point of Lake Spokane, improvements are being made to address total dissolved gas (TDG) levels. Starting June 15, the lake will be drawn down six inches to one foot through the end of September.

City of Spokane Valley’s Sullivan Bridge replacement project has resulted in the Spokane River being closed between Old Mission Avenue and Sullivan Road. The closure begins approximately two-thirds of a mile upstream (east) of the Sullivan Road Bridge at the Old Mission Avenue access to the river and the Centennial Trail. The Old Mission Avenue access and river takeout is located off Mission Parkway just west of Flora Road. Check the Valley’s web site for announcement as to when the closure is lifted.

The Spokane River Water Trail web site has further safety and river flow information.