Due to continued hot and dry weather reducing water levels in Lake Coeur d’Alene, Avista will reduce water discharge at the Post Falls dam this week.

Avista expects that the dam will begin discharging the minimum of 500 cubic feet per second, according to a news release. 

The move, made in compliance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license, will help balance and maintain Lake Coeur d’Alene levels and keep water in the Spokane River throughout the rest of the summer. 

Coeur d’Alene saw just .02 inches of rain in the month of July, according to climatologist Cliff Harris. The lake’s elevation was at normal summer level Tuesday, 2,127.75, according to Avista, though the elevation is expected to decrease slightly over the next week.

“In dry years like this, the connection between the aquifer and the river becomes quite clear,” Patrick Cabbage, senior hydrologist for the Washington Department of Ecology’s Eastern Region Water Resources Program, said in a news release. “Water use by people directly affects river flows. That’s why we hope people will use water wisely and efficiently. Fix a leak, don’t water the sidewalk and pay attention to how much you irrigate. It matters.” 

While there is a chance of rain Thursday, the forecast for the next week primarily is calling for continued dry conditions, with sunny skies with temperatures in the 70s and 80s

The FERC license governing Avista’s Spokane River Project operations was issued in 2009 and carefully balances Lake Coeur d’Alene levels and downstream river flows, according to Avista. These requirements take into account fisheries and water quality, as well as public recreation. 

Avista worked with agencies, tribes, local governments and citizen groups to reach an agreement on the current operations of the Post Falls dam as they impact Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane River.