POST FALLS - Barring unforeseen circumstances, Avista Utilities plans to finish closing the gates of its Post Falls Dam this afternoon, which would result in the opening of the beach at Q'emiln Park and the adjacent boat launch.

"We can't guarantee it if there is heavy rain or they have some problem getting the barge in place, but ... that's the plan," said Anna Scarlett, Avista spokeswoman.

Scarlett said the plan is to have the gates closed around 2 p.m.

"We understand it's hot and people want to get out on the water, and to that end, we've been doing everything in our power to close the spill gates at Post Falls Dam as soon as possible to allow recreation on the stretch of the Spokane River between the Spokane Street bridge and the boater safety cables located just upstream of the Post Falls Dam," she said.

Kit Hoffer, city of Post Falls spokeswoman, said the city has received a "significant" number of calls from residents wondering when the beach and launch will open, especially during the recent heat wave. But she said that is dictated when Avista completely closes the dam's gates and for safety reasons.

Hoffer said there will be free parking at the launch and park today as a "thanks" to residents for their patience while the beach and launch have been closed.

Hoffer said lifeguards will start work at the beach on Sunday if it indeed opens this weekend. She said there are too many unknowns for today, including exactly what time the beach will open.

The hours lifeguards will be at the beach are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The median date for opening the launch and beach is June 22.

Several factors delayed the closure of the spill gates. The spring runoff season extended well into this month due to above average snowpack and heavy rainfall.

"Avista would not have been able to close the spill gates until after the July 4 holiday based purely on river flows from spring runoff," Scarlett said.

Avista's improvement project to replace the lifting hoists and old timber intake gates at the dam with modern lifting hoists and new steel gates delayed the spill gate closure further after July 6.

During the project, if the gates need to be opened for emergency reasons, the boat launch and beach at Q'emiln Park may be temporarily closed, as well as the area of the river downstream from Spokane Street bridge.