Repair Plan and Overview
In late 2018, a sinkhole was identified by a passerby at the top of the dam on the north end. In response to this discovery, we engaged an engineering firm to assist us at the recommendation of the Washington State Dam Safety Office (DSO).
Throughout our collaboration with both the engineering company and DSO, we have navigated several challenges and gleaned valuable insights. We were advised to lower the lake's water level to minimize head pressure, thereby reducing the risk of a catastrophic failure. This task proved to be quite demanding as we aimed to stay within budget while also managing noise and maintenance costs. After careful consideration, we opted to implement a siphon system, which consists of the four white pipes located at the north end of the dam, precisely at the sinkhole site. These siphons were strategically placed to take advantage of the geographical conditions. Additionally, you may have noticed three gas pumps installed in the same area, which serve as a backup for the siphons due to their occasional operational inconsistencies. Regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to ensure the efficient functioning of the siphons and gas engines.
We have also revised our Emergency Action Plan in collaboration with the DSO, in compliance with their protocols. This involved significant effort from our board members to gather up-to-date information from homeowners and individuals accessing our road system. A vital component of the Emergency Action Plan is the establishment of an egress/emergency access road, designed for situations where there may be a catastrophic failure that compromises the existing road. We have initiated the process of vegetation maintenance and surveying the proposed area, while continuing to explore the best alternatives to ensure the most effective course of action.
The essential elements for the dam repairs include excavating 300 feet of the dam to a width of 5 feet and a depth of 12 feet, replacing it with the specified material, and installing finger drains on the dry side of the dam toe every 50 feet. We plan to utilize the excavated dirt on-site to minimize trucking costs and reduce overall time. Please note that detailed plans are not currently available for release; they must receive approval from the DSO prior to dissemination.
At this stage, we have secured a bid for the actual dam repair work, voted on during the 2024 Annual Meeting. We are currently awaiting the DSO's approval of the site plan prepared by our engineers. The communication and coordination between the engineers, the Board of Directors, and the DSO have been extensive.
Throughout our collaboration with both the engineering company and DSO, we have navigated several challenges and gleaned valuable insights. We were advised to lower the lake's water level to minimize head pressure, thereby reducing the risk of a catastrophic failure. This task proved to be quite demanding as we aimed to stay within budget while also managing noise and maintenance costs. After careful consideration, we opted to implement a siphon system, which consists of the four white pipes located at the north end of the dam, precisely at the sinkhole site. These siphons were strategically placed to take advantage of the geographical conditions. Additionally, you may have noticed three gas pumps installed in the same area, which serve as a backup for the siphons due to their occasional operational inconsistencies. Regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to ensure the efficient functioning of the siphons and gas engines.
We have also revised our Emergency Action Plan in collaboration with the DSO, in compliance with their protocols. This involved significant effort from our board members to gather up-to-date information from homeowners and individuals accessing our road system. A vital component of the Emergency Action Plan is the establishment of an egress/emergency access road, designed for situations where there may be a catastrophic failure that compromises the existing road. We have initiated the process of vegetation maintenance and surveying the proposed area, while continuing to explore the best alternatives to ensure the most effective course of action.
The essential elements for the dam repairs include excavating 300 feet of the dam to a width of 5 feet and a depth of 12 feet, replacing it with the specified material, and installing finger drains on the dry side of the dam toe every 50 feet. We plan to utilize the excavated dirt on-site to minimize trucking costs and reduce overall time. Please note that detailed plans are not currently available for release; they must receive approval from the DSO prior to dissemination.
At this stage, we have secured a bid for the actual dam repair work, voted on during the 2024 Annual Meeting. We are currently awaiting the DSO's approval of the site plan prepared by our engineers. The communication and coordination between the engineers, the Board of Directors, and the DSO have been extensive.
Repair Plan Documents Coming Soon!
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