Spokane River

spokaneriverinidaho

Recreation on the Spokane River

The Spokane River Water Trail  provides a searchable data base with detailed information on LAUNCHES, FISHING, PADDLING, RAFTING, SAFETY & RIVER FLOWS, RESOURCES, opportunities to participate in STEWARDSHIP and restoration projects and links to outfitters who can provide equipment and trained river guides.

Spokane River Riverside State park

Spokane River Instream Flow Rule

Washington State Department of Ecology. The purpose of an instream flow rule is to protect and preserve water in streams for “instream resources” including fish, wildlife, recreational uses, wastewater management, and hydropower.  The rule protects river flows and balances the needs of all water users by setting a regulatory threshold to determine when there is water available for new uses.

Chapter 173-557 WAC Water Resources Management Program (WRMP) for the Spokane River and Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP) Aquifer and amendment to WAC 173-555-010
Rule text for WAC 173-557 – New chapter
Rule text for WAC 173-555 (010) – Amendment

Rule Adoption On January 27, 2015 Director Maia Bellon signed a new instream flow rule for the Spokane River and Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie (SVRP) Aquifer for the benefit of the community and the river.  The rule became effective February 27, 2015.
State adopts instream flow rule to protect Spokane River – Ecology News Release, January 27, 2015 Protecting Spokane River flow provides for the future – ECOconnect By Brook Beeler, Communications, Eastern Region

Trends in Seasonal Low Flows at the Spokane Gage Through 2007

Historic Changes in the Spokane River Seasonal Low Flows

Screening Level Analysis by John Porcello GSI Water Solutions 12/3/15