October 19, 2024 Sandra Kinney # Health advisory issued for Lake Cascade and below Cascade Dam
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) is issuing a health advisory for Lake Cascade (two hours north of Boise on Highway 55) and the North Fork of the Payette River below Cascade Dam, urging caution when recreating in or near the water.
DHW works closely with Central District Health and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to identify, respond to, and monitor cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs).
Late summer and fall is the season when water bodies are most likely to experience cyanoHABs, and the hazard does not immediately dissipate with cooler weather. Please exercise caution around all water bodies, as there may be affected waters that have not been tested.
Recent samples showed high amounts of toxin-producing cyanobacteria. The toxins they produce (cyanotoxins) can be harmful to people, pets, and livestock.
When recreating near Lake Cascade and the North Fork of the Payette River below Cascade Dam, take the following precautions while the advisory is in effect: