Lake Tapps WA – This week, the Cascade Water Alliance will raise the Lake Tapps Reservoir to approximately elevation 543 feet, the maximum allowable level at which Cascade can operate. The reservoir will reach 543 feet on or around April 25 and will then be drawn down slightly, using the leakage from the reservoir, to normal recreational summer levels.
Cascade has raised the reservoir to the maximum allowed at least once each year since it took ownership in late 2009, so that residents know where the water level is on their property. After the maximum fill, Cascade will keep the reservoir between elevation 541.5 to 543 feet, usually between 542.5 and 542.8 feet, weather and minimum instream river flows dependent.
Also, around May 19 Cascade will be installing fencing on some dikes for the summer. Although the dikes are closed to the public, on warm, sunny days many people recreate illegally despite “No Trespassing” signs. Activity on the dikes also increases when nearby parks get full and close early. This summer Cascade will be using fencing and enforcement by the Pierce County Sheriff to block entry and remove trespassers for safety, security and to protect the dikes from damage. Please respect the “No Trespassing” signs and enjoy summer in the parks and on public beaches, not on the dikes.
For the latest in current and historic lake level information please visit
cascadewater.org/lake_tapps_overview.php.
Residents can monitor overall reservoir water levels by clicking here.
For more information on Lake Tapps / Cascade agreements visit cascadewater.org/lake_tapps_agreements.php.
For more information on Cascade visit cascadewater.org.