Avista to build Nine Mile Dam boat take out in late October

The Spokane River Water Trail is set to gain another great asset this fall. As part of Avista’s Spokane River Recreation Plan, the company will be building an access for carry-in-only boats on the south shore of Nine Mile Reservoir immediately upstream from Nine Mile Dam. Being done in cooperation with Riverside State Park, the new access site will include a five car parking area and trail to the river.

Construction will begin in late October when Avista draws down Nine Mile Reservoir up to 12 feet for approximately one week. This is in concert with the efforts to replace turbine generating units and other equipment that will modernize the hydro facility. The drawdown will also enable Avista to continue its efforts toward removing invasive flowering rush plants along the shoreline.