April 15, 2014 |Lake Tapps WA – Cascade Water Alliance, in conjunction with the Lake Tapps Community Council announced today that Lake Tapps is at its minimum recreational level of 541.5 feet in accordance with agreements with the Lake Tapps community.

The lake will reach full recreational level in early May and then be maintained at approximately 542.5 feet.  In mid – late July, Cascade will raise the lake level to the maximum allowed under the agreements (elevation 543.0 feet) in anticipation of a likely maintenance outage which will require the headgates to be closed.  No water will be added to the lake during the remainder of the recreational season; however, Cascade will minimize water released through the tailrace.  It is expected that recreational lake levels will be maintained through Labor Day and probably into mid-September.

In addition to needed maintenance and repairs, Cascade is planning on replacing the last section of timber flume in the flowline between the White River and the lake.  This will enable Cascade to maximize diversions from the White River during 2015 spring refill, thus offering additional assurance that the lake will achieve recreational levels on schedule.

In addition, Cascade is planning a condition assessment of the facilities that drain water from the lake back to the White River.  This assessment requires that the lake level be reduced to approximately elevation 505 – 515 feet in order to provide appropriate worker safety during facility inspections and repairs.  For an image of the lake at a past drawdown that was at or about the level Cascade is considering click here.

It is anticipated that all work will be completed so that spring refill can begin approximately March 1, 2015.  Depending on White River flow, recreational levels should be achieved by mid-May, 2015.

A public meeting is scheduled for June 4 to provide additional details on the planned maintenance and improvement projects and the schedule for lake levels through spring 2015.  Watch for details.

As a reminder, prior to beginning any repair or construction activity below elevation 545.0 feet, homeowners must have all the necessary permits and a license from Cascade.

In 2009, the Lake Tapps Community Council and Cascade Water Alliance established long term agreements ensuring consistent, seasonal lake levels every year. This announcement is being made in accordance with these agreements.

Further, as per the agreements, Cascade will raise the lake to the allowable 543 foot level at least once per year to ensure homeowners recognize where this level is for future planning.