PRIEST RIVER — The boat launch at Bonner Park West is closed due to high flows in the Pend Oreille River.

Bonner County Parks & Waterways Director Steve Klatt said the river is running at approximately 90,000 cubic feet per second, which could present trouble for inexperienced boaters trying to launch their vessels.

“I don’t think we’re going to stay that way very long, really and truly,” Klatt said of the temporary closure.

“It’s just a safety precaution and we hope it’s not an overreaction.”

Klatt said the inflow from Priest River and a narrowing of the Pend Oreille River combine to make the launch at Bonner Park West a challenge. Inexperienced boaters and boaters who are too impatient to let their motors warm up could find themselves in a jam rather quickly as they drift downstream toward the Albeni Falls Dam.

Klatt said the county will consider lifting the temporary closure if the flow in the river slackens to around 80,000 cfs.

Meanwhile, those looking to launch their boats on the west side of the county don’t have to look far for an alternative launches.

A county launch and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineer launch remain open in Laclede, where the river is wider and a little more forgiving, said Klatt.

“Laclede is open so they don’t have to go far,” he added.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.