Lake Limerick Water Level Q&A and Yellow Iris on the Shorelines
Lake Limerick Water Level Q&A
Q: The Lake Limerick water level seems higher this spring. Why?
A: Lake Limerick is actually a reservoir fed by numerous underground streams and five aboveground sources (Cranberry Creek, Lake Leprechaun, Beaver Creek, an unnamed creek in King’s Cove, and into the Bird Sanctuary). These water inlets are fed by surface water drainage as well as underwater springs. Furthermore, upland areas retain ground water and slowly release it over time into the various springs. The initial water source is rain and snow run-off which varies during the year based on atmospheric temperatures and precipitation amounts. The 2021 spring has been unusually warm causing greater run-off into the lake which raises the level. The level will continue to lower as run-off into the lake declines due to less precipitation and surface waters evaporate. This is the normal fluctuation of a reservoir.
Q: Why can’t the dam weir boards be removed to lower the lake?
A: The dams at Cranberry Lake, Lake Leprechaun, and Lake Limerick are governed by the State of Washington Department of Ecology Dam Safety Office (DSO). The DSO inspects all WA State dams every five years providing guidance for LLCC Dam Operations Manual revisions specifying how the dams and lake levels will be maintained. The manual specifies that the dam weir boards will start installation during the first week of April and not raise the water level more than (1) inch per day. Weir boards installation is completed by the fourth week of April in time for fish planting. Weir board removal in October has the same (1) inch per day requirement ensuring adequate downstream water flow. Weir board removal is completed by October 31st. This process allows for gradual changes in lake level reducing the risk of damage from sudden discharge and reduced water flow. Once the boards are installed, they stay in place until October to comply with the Dam Safety Office regulations spelled out in the LLCC Dam Operations Manual.
Q: What happens if my dock or ramp do not float with the lake level?
A: That may create a problem with water covering the dock/ramp surface when water is high. The best way to prevent that is to have a floating dock/ramp system. Frequently, with heavy rain in the winter, the lake level can rise 1-2 feet above the typical summer level even with no weir boards installed.
Q: Why is maintaining the lake level important?
A: Because Lake Limerick is a reservoir, its level is governed by whether the amount of water flowing in is equal to, greater than, or less than the amount of water flowing out. The weir boards help to maintain a relatively constant level during the summer. As flow into the lake decreases so does outflow. In a drought situation, this flow change can be significant. Evaporation also contributes to the lake level lowering. In the summer when Lake Limerick use is at its peak, maintaining an adequate level provides much better recreational opportunities. The lake water is also the primary source for watering the golf course. Should the level drop too low, irrigation would need to be curtailed resulting in damage to the golf course and reduced recreational enjoyment. Making sure that there is adequate water during the spring when the lake is filling means that there likely will be enough water in late summer for all users.
Q: How long will the lake level be this high?
A: The answer to that is based on the weather. If the temperatures and rainfall remain moderate, the lake will continue to gradually lower so that summer levels will be reached somewhere around the end of May into June. If precipitation is higher than normal and evaporation is lower the lake could stay at its present level (4-6” above mid-summer level) for a bit longer. Researchers say that we now are in the middle of a prolonged drought period (about ten years) so it is very unlikely that Lake Limerick will remain high.
Q: I’m tired of getting my feet wet to get to my dock/ramp. Why can’t someone do something?
A: While changes in the lake level can be frustrating, having too little water would be much worse. The Board of Directors and members of the Lake Dam Committee are constantly monitoring the situation. However, our community is subject to weather conditions which we can’t change. One inch was removed from the top weir boards last year to correct a change in elevation created when the weir board frame was rebuilt several years ago. The weir board height is now at its historic elevation. Numerous members have mitigated their dock access in the spring by slightly elevating their shoreside access ramp. Some with fixed docks have adjusted their docks to be an inch or two higher.
Lake Limerick Board of Directors
Lake Dam Committee
ATTENTION LAKE FRONT PROPERTY OWNERS, please examine your shoreline foliage for Yellow iris!
Yellow iris is an invasive aquatic plant that spreads by seed and rhizomes (roots), once established it is very difficult to eradicate.
- Small stands of yellow iris can be controlled through hand removal. Gloves should be used when handling this plant, as the sap can cause skin irritation in some people.
- Plants should be dug up, taking care to remove as much of the root system as possible.
- Plant parts should be disposed of properly, the roots system can resprout if left on the ground.
- The area should be monitored for any regrowth.
Questions can be emailed to mail@lakelimerick.com
