Bennington Lake filling starts soon
By Terry Murry on Thursday, March 31st, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin diverting water from Mill Creek into Bennington Lake early next week in preparation for the upcoming recreation season. Filling the lake to recreational pool levels can take up to a week or more, depending on springtime flow conditions in Mill Creek.
The decision comes after USACE water management officials determined the flood risk is now minimal based on the current snowpack. Even with the lake filled to recreational levels, there is still 90 percent of the flood control space available if a late season high flow event were to occur.
Staff from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife plus USACE, are coordinating on a time frame to stock Bennington Lake with fish before Memorial Day.
Only paddle-powered or non-combustible-engine-powered boats are allowed on Bennington Lake. Boaters should ensure personal flotation devices are on board for all boaters. Children 12 and younger are required to wear personal flotation devices when in a boat.
