COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho - Widespread flooding is now reported along Lake Coeur d'Alene in Northern Idaho as swollen rivers flow downstream.

Many homeowners with lakefront property are using sandbags to prevent water from flowing into basements and several boat launches along lake are also closed.

As of Wednesday morning, the lake level was approaching three feet above flood stage. Low-lying areas such as Blackwell Island and Harbor Island on the Spokane River are most at risk.

Roberta Larsen

Flooding along Cougar Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

High water volume has caused the lake to back up into the Highway 3 area causing the Coeur d' Alene River and the Chain Lakes to flood from Cataldo to Harrison.

Shoshone County

Shoshone County residents affected by the boil order issued by the Central Shoshone County Water District will be able to pick up bottled water at fire stations in Kellogg and Osburn.

One gallon jugs of drinking water, packaged three to a case, will be distributed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following stations:

* District 1 Fire Station; 921 E. Mullan in Osburn
* District 2 Fire Station; 14 W. Market; Kellogg

The St. Joe River remains well above flood stage at St. Maries, Idaho and concern is growing over the stability of dikes that protect the town. Some "bubbling" along the dikes has been reported, which is water seeping through the dikes. The St. Joe River is currently four feet above flood stage and still rising.

Kootenai County

High water has caused the closure of the rails to trails from Enaville to Harrison including the following roads:

* Killarney Lake Road
* Bull Run Road
* Latour Creek Road (the Bureau of Land Management Bridge approximately six miles up Latour Creek Road has been washed out)
* CCC Road
* River Road between Highway 3 and Tamarack Ridge Road
* Loffs Bay Road at Mica Creek
* Rainy Hill Road
* Medimont Road

How to get help

Three north Idaho counties have announced separate public information phone numbers to accomodate community requests for assistance and information.

- Shoshone County flood hotline: (208) 556-1983

- Kootenai County flood hotline: (208) 446-2292

- Benewah County information line: (208) 245-4122

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Department and Office of Emergency Management activated the Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday.