Payette Water Drops Ahead of Labor Day | Boise News

Boise News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 21, 2026 · 1m

Water levels on the Payette River system are dropping sooner than expected this year, with the North Fork falling around September third and Deadwood Reservoir stopping its flow to the South Fork by August thirtieth—despite a below-average snowpack. Normally a summer hotspot for paddlers, the river’s prime season may end before Labor Day, as reservoir managers prioritize salmon habitat in the Snake River and adjust flows to meet irrigation needs. Kayaker Trevor Nelson, who’s progressed from the Main Payette to tackling the fast, thrilling North Fork, hopes to squeeze in more runs before the…