Cascade Water Alliance today announced a short drawdown period for the Lake Tapps Reservoir this winter to be done in conjunction with Cascade’s completion of installation and testing of new valves at the Powerhouse in January and February 2017.
Lake Tapps is expected to stay at approximately 541 to 542 feet through mid to late January. Reservoir levels will likely rise 6 – 8 inches with winter rains.
Cascade anticipates completing work installing a new energy dissipating valve at the Powerhouse at the end of January. On approximately Feb. 1, Cascade plans to test the new $2 million valve, which has been installed to ensure even more reliability and safety in operating the reservoir. To do so, Cascade will draw down the reservoir approximately six to eight feet, reaching a level of an approximate elevation of 535 feet in late February. This reservoir level will be maintained through early/mid-March.
If homeowners choose to consider any improvements to their property or begin new projects, the period between early February and early March might be the time to do so. However, Cascade reminds residents they must obtain all appropriate permits as well as a Cascade license prior to beginning any construction. The time to apply is now.
Active fill will begin about mid/late March with full recreational Lake Levels of elevation 541.5 to 542.5 feet being reached in early to mid-April. Cascade will bring the Lake Level up to elevation 543 feet, which is the maximum permissible level for Lake Tapps, for a short time during the spring.
For more information about Cascade and Lake Tapps visit www.cascadewater.org and for information regarding licenses for project work visit http://cascadewater.org/lake_
