| Shoreline neighbors, This is primarily a message about high water levels on Lake Sammamish that SHO is forwarding on behalf of Washington Sensible Shorelines Association (WSSA) . However… SHO is aware that King County intends to start charging rent for any, what they call, “encroachments” within the entire former rail corridor, not just those that might interfere with trail construction. We will be sending another SHO Update soon about how you should deal with that, so please watch for that. Meanwhile… Concerning Lake Sammamish Levels Following Pattern of 2020! Last year before the February rain event, the water levels were at 27.5 ft. As of 1/15 the level was 29.35 ft. Another extreme event like last February may be about to occur. Prepare for another weather event. Check your mooring, and if your boat is still on the lift, consider getting it on a trailer. Minimize your boat wakes. Large wakes can cause significant damage during high water events. Caution: you may encounter snags and old pilings hidden just below the surface; residents are reporting drifting logs and lumber on the lake. You may need to add weights to your dock to hold it down against the rising water, and if you think you will need sandbags now is the time.See link for sandbags below. WSSA has spent all of 2020 attempting to communicate with King County and local municipalities in an effort to resolve the lake level issues. We have not been successful so far, so perhaps a flood of residents can spur them into action. Below are the King County Council and KC Flood Control Board members who are appointed to manage our lakes and rivers and maintain adequate drainage. =========================================================== Here is a sample email: edit and make it your own, but please send it to the King County Council and the KC Flood Control Board. Dear ______________________ (King County Council Member) or (KC Flood Control Board Member) I’m concerned about the early high water levels I’m seeing on Lake Sammamish right now. The 2020 flooding caused widespread property damage and likely caused environmental degradation and habitat destruction. What are you doing to restore the equilibrium of the in and out flows on this lake? Obviously, Lake Sammamish no longer sufficiently drains. Last year at this time the lake was over a foot lower than it is right now. Please respond with your plan to fix this problem. We are now in the rainy season. Here is my contact information: Respectfully, ___________________ ======================================================================== Current USGS Graph of water levels USGS For a deeper dive go here Helpful links to help you prepare for this winter How to Prepare for Flooding Where to Get Sandbags How to Use Sandbags – video Important Phone Numbers Sign Up For King County Flood Alerts Get the Flood Alert App Make an Emergency Plan |