No-wake limit imposed on river

NEWPORT — A “no wake speed limit” has been imposed on the Pend Oreille River in Pend Oreille County, Wash.

The Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office announced the action Friday afternoon, adding the action was necessary to prevent property damage due to the elevated level of the Pend Oreille River. The current level of the river is 2041.05 feet above sea level as measured at the Cusick gauging station.

The “no wake speed limit” is activated as required in the Pend Oreille County Boating Safety Ordinance No. 2001-01, as revised July 8, 2002. The ordinance calls for the change when elevation at the station exceeds 2041 feet. The ordinance defines wake speed” as a “slow speed producing no wake and further does not exceed 5 miles per hour.”

Public cooperation in reducing speeds on the river to prevent environmental and property damage is appreciated, POCSO officials said. Violations of the speed limit can net an infraction and a $66 fine.

The Pend Oreille County Department of Emergency Management is monitoring the river level on a daily basis. Current river level information can be obtained at the Pend Oreille PUD website at popud.org/flow-and-elevation or by calling 509-447-1988, the recording is updated as conditions change.