Cascade Water Alliance this week began refilling Lake Tapps, after completing repairs on the barrier dam in Buckley that controls water headed toward the lake.

According to a release from Cascade, lake levels are expected to return to normal January/February levels this weekend and resident should see a large rise in water level – more than a foot – beginning next week.

Cascade spokesperson Elaine Kraft said the water purveyor looked at the entire lake system, from the dam to the flume to the lake itself and worked this winter to do a lot of maintenance and replacement work that need to be completed.

For the past six months Cascade has been working to repair a number of Project facilities (including sections of the flume which carries water from the White River to Lake Tapps, the fish screens and the Barrier Dam). Testing these facilities (and the availability of water in the White River) has been a major driver in the recent refill activity.

“We’ve been working with the (Army Corps of Engineers) and trying to do all the repairs and all the improvements that were needed,” Kraft said.

By the first weekend of April, Lake Levels are expected to be approximately 2 to 2.5 feet above the January/February Lake Levels. Lake Levels should then rise at a slower rate until full recreational level of 545 feet above sea level is reached approximately April 15.

“Everyone will be able to enjoy a full and beautiful lake all summer,” Kraft said.

To check the real-time lake level of Lake Tapps click here.