Raising water at the long lake boat launch in Spokane

[beerbohm]

I went out to long lake this last monday the 5th to test out my new stainless prop (added about 4mph!) I launched at the first launch past the damn and was out for about 2 hours when I turned around and started coming in I noticed a ton of debre coming down the river and the water was mooooving. I get back to the launch and had to deal with about 3-4 times the current then when I showed up and there was pretty much a forest coming straight at me full sized monster trees, ply wood 2x12's with nasty nails from tip to tip it was more of a mine field then any thing. I finely docked it after the second attempt tied up and went to get the truck I was gone just a few minutes and the water level had gone up 3+inches I back my rig down, leave the bunks just out of the water untie the boat look at the trailer and the bunks are complety under water. The water is now level with the top of the dock and the current is pushing the boat way off the bunks, so I jump out pull the truck forward about a foot or so leaving the bunks out of the water enough jump back in the boat and hurry it on the trailer due to the current boat is a little more crooked then the normal "look at the noob that can't trailer his boat". By the time I get it out of the water tied down and ready to hit the road I look back at the dock and it is gone. In its place is a rather large bush and several rather large loggs that if my boat would have still been there I am sure there would have been some pretty nice sized dents in the bran new boat. After all said and done I would say the water raised 1.5 feet in less then a hour. As I drive by the damn it is flowing like I have never seen it flow before. I would guess that it was completely opened. I take the boat home and go to the docter and get snipped. All and all it was kind of a interesting day.

[Gisteppo]

First off, you shoulda called me, we have our own boat launch which I could have helped you load at (much safer at the exact moment you were there).

The dam at Nine Mile has a section that is built up above it in wood. Once flows hit a certain number, they break the boards out with a cable and a HUGE amount of debris-ridden water flushes down, causing the problems you are talking about. It only happens once a year, and only lasts about 2 hrs. Good timing!

E

[reddog]

Ya gotta love Long Lake!! Had a friend drop his (thank goodness SMALL BOAT) in there a few years ago in November. Hunted most of the day. Noticed (or thought they did) that their decoys were riding in the water quite differently. They were, they were in 3" of water. When they put them out, it was waist deep. They pulled their boat out into the river through the very sticky mud. Almost had to leave it there, tied up to a tree, and pray that the water came up a bit. But, they got it out, lost most of their dekes in the mud and muck cause the water was still dropping. Got back the (I call it Spokane House) launch, and had to carry the boat up the slick mossy rocks and lift it onto the trailer that they (with good 4 wheel drive and awsome mud and snow tires) backed down into what WAS the river BED when they got in that morning. Kinda like loading on Rock Lake, you have'nt lived until you TRIED to put a 20+ foot FIBERGLASS boat into that lake!!! I never have, mine is bad enough at 16' and ALUMINUM!!!:cheers: Like I said, gotta LOVE Long Lake!!! Gisteppo, sounds like you would be a REAL NICE guy to know in those parts!!! I'm glad I was told of this site. You folks sound like some real good joe's!!!:cheers:

[ruthven78]

I take the boat home and go to the docter and get snipped. All and all it was kind of a interesting day.

that meaning no more little swimmers? lol

[beerbohm]

First off, you shoulda called me, we have our own boat launch which I could have helped you load at (much safer at the exact moment you were there).

The dam at Nine Mile has a section that is built up above it in wood. Once flows hit a certain number, they break the boards out with a cable and a HUGE amount of debris-ridden water flushes down, causing the problems you are talking about. It only happens once a year, and only lasts about 2 hrs. Good timing!

E

I was not really out there to fish, more just to play with the new prop. I would hate to bother you for a joy ride. And besides you know how I feel about safety lol . I might be coming out there monday you up E?

[Gisteppo]

Stop by! Dknodel is going to be bringing his new boat by to see if we can fix his wiring. You should pop by the house and I will show you the channels into our place. Maybe a good idea would be to get some herring, as I saw a pike swimming past the dock yesterday when I was mowing the lawn.

E