POST FALLS - There will be no boat launching and swimming at Q'emiln Park for the Fourth of July, typically one of the park's busiest days of the year.

Last week's heavy rainfall in North Idaho resulted in higher-than-normal flows in the Spokane River and Avista, which operates the Post Falls Dam, must spill the extra water.

Because of the open spill gates, it is not safe to be in the water above the dam and a Post Falls city ordinance prevents river use in that area during such times.

Boating and swimming will be prohibited between the Spokane Street bridge and the dam through the holiday weekend.

"There is a lot of water coming into the lake from all the rain we've been having," said Hugh Imhof, Avista spokesman. "We need to keep spilling water at the Post Falls Dam in order to keep the lake from rising. The lake has been right around 2,128 feet (summer level) for a while now.

"What we are trying to prevent is the lake going above that level."

When Avista will close the gates, allowing for the launch and beach to be open, depends on the weather, Imhof said.

"It is possible that we'll be able to close the spill gates by Tuesday morning, assuming we don't get any more heavy rain," he said.

The continued closure of the launch and beach will mean more traffic at other such public facilities.

The river above the Spokane Street bridge and Lake Coeur d'Alene are accessible with several relatively close public boat launches open. They include the launch at Blackwell Island, Third Street in Coeur d'Alene, Higgens Point, Boothe's Landing and Mica Bay.

For information on Spokane River flows and Lake Coeur d'Alene elevation, including anticipated changes in flow and elevation for the coming week, call 769-1357.

Links to weather and water flow information are available on the Avista Utilities website at http://www.avistautilities.com/inside/resources/Pages/waterflow.aspx

River users are cautioned that weather conditions can cause rapid changes in water levels.