Posted on June 15, 2022
Water Management officials at the Walla Walla District stopped diverting water into Bennington Lake at 5:45 a.m. in response to receding flows coming down Mill Creek. The diverted water will remain in Bennington Lake until Russell Creek and Cottonwood Creek flows recede.
Heavy rainfall led the Corps to begin diverting water into Bennington Lake yesterday to minimize flows from Mill Creek through the City of Walla Walla. Flows through the city were kept between 1,400 and 1,700 cubic feet per second.
Water Management officials at the district took steps to prevent additional flows down Yellowhawk Creek. Flooding seen in lower extents of Yellowhawk Creek were fed by natural sources including local runoff, Russell Creek, and Cottonwood Creek.
The water level in Bennington Lake is currently 10 feet above recreation levels. The Corps does not expect to release the water for the next 48 hours, or until Russell Creek and Cottonwood Creek return to normal flow levels. Once it is safe to release the water, the Corps will lower Bennington Lake back to recreational pool levels.
The Corps remains prepared to assist local authorities with flood response efforts.
