Steve Lachowicz of the Chelan Coundy PUD requested that GoLakeChelan put the following statement on our Blog.
We do so with great pleasure:
We at Chelan County PUD appreciate the forum provided by GoLakeChelan for ongoing sharing of information and opinions about the management of Lake Chelan elevation. Balancing all the variables that can affect lake levels is certainly an inexact science, and we recognize the frustrations that can develop when we are unable to tell property owners and business people exactly how low the lake will drop or how fast it will refill each year.
We pledge to look for ways to share information about lake level issues as timely as we can, primarily by making use of our Web site which is viewable by lake users wherever they may live. The Internet and blogs like this are an excellent way to share information widely and rapidly as conditions change regarding operation of the project.
As a follow-up to Thursday’s noon meeting in Chelan, we would like to take this opportunity to restate the main points PUD presenters made, so those who were unable to attend can understand what guides our decision-making.
1. The PUD is working with a new set of lake level management guidelines that are part of the new 50-year license for the Lake Chelan Hydro Project approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in November 2006. While the lowest drawdown level (1,079 feet) and the maximum elevation (1,100 feet) have not changed from previous licenses (dating back to 1926), the priorities that the PUD must consider in managing the lake level have expanded significantly. Somewhat simply stated, the new guidelines for the next 50 years require the PUD to take into account:
* maintaining year-round flows (minimum of 80 cfs) in the Chelan River (license requires that this take precedence over lake levels) ,
* minimizing spill in the Chelan River because new enhanced fish habitat is being created there that should not be washed out (license requires that this take precedence over lake levels) ,
* recreation,
* power generation and
* weather conditions.
2. With the lake level at 1,082.67 as of Friday (a slim increase over Thursday), we are several feet above the allowable 1,079 minimum. Barring unusual weather circumstances, we expect the lake will refill by July 1. Between now and then we will do our best to balance uncertainties such as the low-elevation snowmelt, precipitation and temperature.
3. Power generation was reduced significantly at the lake on Wednesday (March 12) based on the latest forecasts of less precipitation and continued cooler weather. The lake is expected to stabilize near 1,082.5 feet unless there’s a significant change in weather forecasts.
4. Residents must expect that there will be occasional years when the lake level does drop near the minimum of 1,079 as weather conditions or other factors come into play.
5. The PUD wants to keep people informed about lake levels throughout the year, through the Web, local media, community meetings and answering your phone calls. We remain available to answer questions at any time.
March 15, 2008 at 9:31 am
Thank you Steve, and other parties at PUD for your commitment to better communication between us all. Your meeting Thursday was very informative. Though I’m not in total agreement with what takes priority over what in some areas, it is what it is. I am hoping to rally the community together in attempt to solve the problems that arise when the lake is so low. There are several sides to that issue is well. I make no claim as to knowing what the best solution is, but I know we need one. I look forward to your support and encouragement of the community. As a “pulic” owned utitlity, I believe we are partners in success in this matter.
I am asking all parties who are affected by increasing access to the lake year round, to please contact your City government, Chamber of Commerce, Manson Business Assn, and Parks Dept. Let’s get a plan in place and move directly to solution. There is much to do before next spring.
Thank you!!
Shelly Ward
Innamorata, LLC