Lake Roosevelt levels rising

The Bureau of Reclamation is advising people camping on the Lake Roosevelt shoreline over the July 4 weekend to be aware of dangers that could exist due to rapidly rising lake levels. The lake is impounded by Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River 90 miles west of Spokane.

“When camping on the shoreline, tents and other belongings should be kept well away from the water’s edge,” said Public Affairs Officer Lynne Brougher. “Although the lake is a popular vacation spot, it is also a working reservoir that supplies water for Grand Coulee Dam which can result in rapid fluctuations.”

Brougher says campsites too close to the water’s edge could become flooded, and boats that are not properly anchored or secured could drift into the lake.

The lake is expected to be at an elevation of 1,286 feet July 3. Lake levels are expected to rise up to six inches each day over the holiday weekend.

Reclamation follows a court-ordered 2008/2010 FCRPS Biological Opinion requiring the lake to be at the full pool elevation of 1,290 feet above sea level between late June and early July.

Water is stored for later use in July and August to increase flows for migrating endangered species in the lower Columbia River.

Water managers must also prepare for unexpected weather that could alter lake levels more rapidly than anticipated. For more information on lake levels, contact Brougher at 509-633-9503 or lbrougher@usbr.gov.