The White River seems to be running at record low levels, less than 500 cubic feet per second, accord to the R Street gauge.

This seems mostly to do with last winter’s record low snowpack and a dry spring, but it also complicates refilling Lake Tapps, which was severely drawn down last winter for repairs to the reservoir and diversion flume.

Water is now being impounded at Mud Mountain Lake to help refill Lake Tapps this summer, and perhaps to help with late summer/fall salmon runs.

But I’ve got to say, there’s not much river left. It’s being enjoyed by Game Farm and Roegner Park visitors and area residents because the current’s down.

Hopefully it won’t be very much worse by the end of summer, and fall/winter rains and snow will be more normal, but I’m thinking it’s a sign of the times.

If future water flows are going to be more like this, local wells and the planned use of Lake Tapps as a regional source of drinking water will be impacted.

– Damon Hill