WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District began diverting water from Mill Creek into Bennington Lake at approximately 11:50 a.m. today as flows increased due to rainfall and snowmelt in the basin.
Flows at the Mill Creek diversion dam exceeded 1,400 cubic feet per second, triggering diversion operations of additional water into Bennington Lake to reduce flood risk. Project staff will continue adjusting operations in accordance with the Mill Creek Project water control manual and real-time conditions.
Diversions into Bennington Lake help reduce flows in the Mill Creek channel through Walla Walla during high-water events. Water temporarily stored in the reservoir will be released back to Mill Creek after flood flows subside.
During diversion operations, roads and trails near Bennington Lake may be temporarily closed for public and staff safety.
Mill Creek can rise rapidly during storm events. USACE discourages in-water recreation due to cold water temperatures, higher flow velocities, and floating debris. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use caution around rivers, streams and flooded trails.
Current streamflow information for Mill Creek is available from the U.S. Geological Survey at:
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=14013000,14013700,14013800,14015000,14018500
Release no. 26-007