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I posted this earlier on the Musky Group as well:

Just a quick update from the Cascade Water Alliance:

May 5, 2015

An Open Letter to the Lake Tapps Community

For the first time since 2007, when Puget Sound Energy still operated Lake Tapps, the reservoir will most likely not be filled to recreational levels by Memorial Day. As the owner and operator of the reservoir since 2009, we value our relationship with the community and we take our agreements with you seriously. However, this is an extraordinary year, and we appreciate your patience.

Cascade purchased the century-old 12-mile long White River /Lake Tapps Reservoir project that takes water from the White River, brings it into the reservoir, and back out to the White River. Many parts were failing. The following facts provide you with an update about the system, its fixes and its future.

FACT: For the next 30 to 40 years, Cascade will be operating this system to provide recreational reservoir levels solely for your benefit while meeting regulatory and operational requirements.

FACT: The system included a failing timber flume and headgates. The facilities that release water from the lake needed to be assessed and repaired. A dike required a seismic retrofit. The Washington State Dam Safety Office requires that Cascade be able to take a certain flow rate from the reservoir and we could not assure that we could do that to protect homeowners in case of earthquake or emergencies.

FACT: If Cascade had not planned for and undertaken these projects, and if the headgates or timber flume had failed, Cascade would not have been able to divert water into the reservoir for a minimum of 18 months, resulting in the likely loss of two complete recreational seasons.

FACT: The design, planning and bidding for the 16 project $15 million upgrade began in December 2013 and was successfully completed March 16, 2015 ensuring long-term viability of the reservoir.

FACT: There has been historically low precipitation, which is required to fill the reservoir. The situation is so severe that the Governor has declared a drought emergency in many areas of the state, including east Pierce County.

FACT: Since April 1, the available flows in the White River have dropped far below even the lowest historically recorded levels. Average historic flows have been above 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) above Mud Mountain Dam. This year the White River flows are at about 700-750 cfs, the lowest flows in 22 years of record keeping.

FACT: Cascade is legally permitted to only take water from the White River, the source of Lake Tapps, when flows exceed the minimum flow required in Cascade's state issued water rights. This year's historic low flows limit the amount Cascade can divert into the reservoir. Our new flume can take up to 150% of what is allowed. At present, there is no excess water to divert.

FACT: Projections that the reservoir would be filled by Memorial Day were based on assumptions of less than average flow conditions, but nowhere near the extreme conditions now being experienced. In a normal year, the reservoir would have been filled by May 1.

FACT: We have our crews available 24 hours a day to divert as much available water into the reservoir as fast as possible. A typical day includes four to six diversion adjustments, many taking place between 9 pm and 4 am. Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating.

FACT: Such potential occurrences were even considered and included in the Cascade's 2009 agreement with the Lake Tapps Community, which states "... operational variances may be required due to forecasts or available precipitation, under the terms and conditions of the Water Rights."

FACT: Cascade is in constant discussions with regulatory and other partners to determine if there is any other option available for filling the lake. This includes working to restock the lake with fish once the reservoir is full. The drought has affected everyone.

FACT: Cascade will continue working hard, and do everything we can to refill Lake Tapps.

We value the friendships and relationships we have built with the Lake Tapps community over the years and ask for your continued patience and support.

Looks like it will be a tough year unless we get some rain - a lot of it and soon.  At least they are letting the public know the situation and why.

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Replies to This Discussion

Hmmmmmmmm.  That sucks, but o well.  I guess all of us Bass and Musky guys will have to fish elsewhere this year.  Seems so insignificant compared to some of the real hardships that people are facing in the world...like in Nepal.

How about making an orv park out of it in the mean time?

It seems unlikely it will be fishable until July at the earliest.

I just found out that the lake will likely not be opened this season. The WDFW is not planting any Muskies in the lake this season.

Great idea Willie! You could use the two boat launches as access points, and still charge the launch fees. I bet the county/city would be all over it.  
Willie Parsons said:

How about making an orv park out of it in the mean time?

I'm sure glad I am paying waterfront property taxes to live on a dry lake!  This really sucks!!!!!!

D.J., I bet if you were willing to go downtown and file the paperwork, you could get a seasonal tax break. Some residents of the Columbia River shoreline were able to do that somehow during the draw down last year.

I would suspect they will reach full pool by the end of June.  However, it seems like they may limit fishing this year or at least restrict it based on the assessment they will no doubt make once they reach full pool.

The guys with the Bonney Lake special boats could still use the motors in sand rails so nothing lost for them. I see a real opportunity here...

Chad Simon said:

Great idea Willie! You could use the two boat launches as access points, and still charge the launch fees. I bet the county/city would be all over it.  
Willie Parsons said:

How about making an orv park out of it in the mean time?

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