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News Room Headline
Lake Washington gradually rising to spring level
Contact: Patricia Graesser, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (206) 764-3760
Feb. 15, 2005
SEATTLE--Lake Washington is slowly rising to its spring level of 21.95 feet above sea level, according to the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Each year the Corps decides on a refill strategy based on watershed conditions and forecasts. To make the most efficient use of the water available now and throughout the refill period, the Corps is increasing the refill rate. This will provide water for the smolt passage flumes in April and should also allow Lake Washington to rise to 21.95 feet by the end of May. This target is necessary to provide water for navigation, upstream and downstream fish passage, and salinity control throughout the summer and fall.
The Corps regulates the level of Lakes Washington and Union through its operation of spillway gates at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard. The Corps holds the lakes at a winter elevation of 20 feet to reduce potential shoreline damage from winter storms. The Corps begins raising the level each spring to benefit fish and for summer recreation.
The lake elevation begins to fall gradually by the end of June and reaches its low point again in the fall.
For a real-time look at the level of Lake Washington, try the webpage:
Lake Washington
This site is 508 Compliant
Contact: Patricia Graesser, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (206) 764-3760
Feb. 15, 2005
SEATTLE--Lake Washington is slowly rising to its spring level of 21.95 feet above sea level, according to the Seattle District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Each year the Corps decides on a refill strategy based on watershed conditions and forecasts. To make the most efficient use of the water available now and throughout the refill period, the Corps is increasing the refill rate. This will provide water for the smolt passage flumes in April and should also allow Lake Washington to rise to 21.95 feet by the end of May. This target is necessary to provide water for navigation, upstream and downstream fish passage, and salinity control throughout the summer and fall.
The Corps regulates the level of Lakes Washington and Union through its operation of spillway gates at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard. The Corps holds the lakes at a winter elevation of 20 feet to reduce potential shoreline damage from winter storms. The Corps begins raising the level each spring to benefit fish and for summer recreation.
The lake elevation begins to fall gradually by the end of June and reaches its low point again in the fall.
For a real-time look at the level of Lake Washington, try the webpage: