The water levels in the lake and the Payette River have fluctuated a lot since we arrived here over a month ago. When we got here the lake was only 70% full now it is at 98% full. The river was running very high and then they dropped it practically over night and it went down several feet. Then it rained and warmed up so there was lots of water draining down from the mountains from snow and rain runoff. They opened the dam to make room for all the water and ended up filling the reservoir (Cascade Lake) and the river. They had way more snow last winter than in a very long time and didn't quite anticipate how much water they would have to manage.
We've been lucky at the campground because the river never quite reached any campers or cabins but it did get close. Downstream in Boise and its suburb Eagle they have had flooding. Now the river is down to a safe level but the lake remains full. Of course the tourists aren't happy because the beaches are under water. The fishing has been hit or miss with the crazy fluctuations. So far we aren't sorry we didn't bring the boat. Its just now getting warm -- maybe summer is finally here.
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