Lake Tapps Spring Refill To Begin Next Week

BONNEY LAKE, WA — Cascade Water Alliance has announced that the annual spring refill of the Lake Tapps Reservoir will begin Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Every year, Cascade draws down the lake for the winter to provide time for maintenance and dike stability.

Once the refill begins, Cascade says they expect they'll be able to meet the regular summer reservoir level of 541.5 feet by April 15. The reservoir usually hovers between 541.5 and 543 feet between April 15 and the end of September. However, bulkheads need to be built to withstand water levels up to 544 feet and Cascade does intentionally raise the reservoir to 543 feet once a year as a reminder.

Last year, the drawdown began on Nov. 1. During the drawdown, the water level is lowered to around 539 feet, and residents are asked to pull their boats from the lake, so they don't end up beached on the shore.

Cascade is also taking the opportunity to remind everyone who lives on the lake that they need a permit and a Cascade license if they're going to do any work on the waterfront. Information on their permitting process can be found at Cascade Water Alliance's website.