POST FALLS - The Q'emiln Park boat launch ramp on the Spokane River in Post Falls will be closed for the season beginning Monday, Oct. 27.

The ramp, located upstream of Avista's Post Falls Hydroelectric Development, is typically closed each year in November due to weather conditions and dropping water levels.

The boat launch must remain closed for safety reasons whenever water is spilled through gates at the Post Falls Dam, which can be the case for much of the fall through spring. Generally, the ramp re-opens in the late spring or early summer, depending on inflows into Lake Coeur d'Alene.

As a result of Avista's annual drawdown of Lake Coeur d'Alene, Spokane River levels above the dam will be approximately 3 feet below the summer full-pool elevation of 2,128 feet on Oct. 27. Water levels may drop by as much as 4.5 feet by the end of January. These water levels are subject to change due to weather conditions.

To receive notifications on Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Spokane River downstream of Post Falls Dam, email spokanerivernews@avistacorp.com and include "CDA Lake and Spokane River water level update" in the subject line. To receive updates about Nine Mile Reservoir and Lake Spokane, email spokanerivernews@avistacorp.com and include "Nine Mile Reservoir and Lake Spokane water level update" in the subject line.

Customers can access waterflow information at avistautilities.com/waterflow, and information is still available on a 24-hour telephone information line at 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, commercial and recreational users of lake elevation and river flow changes which may affect plans for water use.