A lake levels update from the Mayor: (click here for previous message) 

Update on the Lake Status

Very good news! Last week we were able to meet with representatives from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). We walked them through downtown, along Hartford Road, and showed them the lake weir. The outcome of this meeting is an emergency permit as well as long term mitigation cooperation.

The emergency permit will allow Public Works to clear debris from the lake outflow channel starting this week. Clearing the debris will take out the blockages and buildup of vegetation which are impeding the flow of water out of the lake. Additionally, we received direction to apply for a standard permit allowing the city to clear debris and sediment out of the outflow channel annually during the fish window. We as well discussed long-term planning design ideas for replacing the weir.

I want to thank Public Works Director Eric Durpos, Surface Water Management Coordinator Shannon Farrant, and Stormwater Engineer Jon Stevens for their work on coordinating this effort with WDFW. Lastly, I would like to thank WDFW for understanding the immediate need of the city to lower the level of the lake.

Brett Gailey