Spokane Falls

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has given Avista the authority to operate five Spokane River dams for another 50 years.  Yesterday, on June 18, 2009,  FERC issued the new license that sets out conditions for Avista’s operation of the dams, including protections for water quality, for flow measures to help native rainbow trout, and for improvements to recreational facilities along the river.  Avista has agreed to allow higher flows in the river during the summer months.  That will keep water tumbling over the iconic waterfalls in downtown Spokane during the driest months of the year.   See the falls at this Spokane Falls cam.