In the last phase of the Barrier Structure Apron Repair project with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Corps has begun to reduce instream flows to 350 cubic feet per second (cfs) to ensure worker safety in the river during the project, which could last up to one week.

Water will be stored behind Mud Mountain Dam during this final phase of the project, and when complete, will be released and be used to continue to fill the Lake Tapps reservoir. Although the dam is solely authorized for flood control, the Corps can use the dam to store water during construction projects to protect workers in the river.

Cascade completed a massive overhaul of the 100 plus year old White River/Lake Tapps system which it operates for instream flows and eventual water supply.  The critical portion of the project was completed on time and Cascade began filling the reservoir in March. Since that time the area has experienced flows up to 50 percent below the most historic lows of all time, and not only has a drought has been declared, but the drought continues to deepen.

“While there has only been .16 inch of rain since mid-May, instead of the usual 3.3 inches, Cascade has still added 14 feet of water to the reservoir,” said Chuck Clarke, Cascade CEO. “Despite the drought, we will begin to adding more water to the reservoir the first week of August.”

For more information on the project visit www.casadewater.org