Boise River could rise to levels not seen since 2012

At the Glenwood Bridge, water levels in the Boise River remain just below flood levels on Monday morning.

The Boise Fire Department says levels could rise to 6,200 cubic feet per second Monday and again asked the public to stay away from the fast, cold current. The river neared 6,000 cfs by 3 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Why all the water? Federal water managers are releasing water from reservoirs above Boise to make space for snowmelt and avoid bigger flooding issues later this spring.

The fire department says people should watch for closures and detours along the Greenbelt due to high water. Existing river-related closures can be found on the city of Boise’s website.

Other advice:

▪  Do not enter the river for recreation at all right now.

▪  Keep your pets on a leash near the river so that they don’t chase other animals into the water.

▪  If someone gets into trouble, call 911 right away. Dispatchers will need to know how many people are in the water and as many details about your location as possible. Give the closest street, bridge or park, for example.

▪  Along with dangers posed by the swift current, the cold temperature will make it harder for someone in the river to swim out due to loss of motor control, and debris can injure swimmers as well. Water levels are approaching bridge height, according to the city, meaning it may be impossible to pass under some bridges.

If those aren’t motivation enough to stay out of the water, anyone who requires rescue will have to pay the rescue bill. Signs to that effect are posted along the banks of the river.

The weather is expected to cool starting around Wednesday, which will also help keep the river within its banks. Temperatures are predicted to drop from a high of 74 degrees Monday to a high of 60 degrees Wednesday, and a high in the mid-50s Thursday. That will coincide with possible showers starting Tuesday and lasting at least through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

This story was originally published April 10, 2016 at 6:10 PM with the headline "Boise River could rise to levels not seen since 2012."