Thoughts on water, power and lake level

The writer of the opinion piece, “Lake study leaves citizens high and dry,” is missing the point. First off, Lake Pend Oreille technically became a reservoir when the gates were closed on Albeni Falls Dam in 1953 thus impounding water above the lakes natural seasonal pool levels. The dam brought with it a regulated summer high pool that benefited all adjoiners and the public at large. If it were not for the dam, places like Oden Bay would be mud flats after the spring runoff and hayed in late summer.

Secondly, the water stored in Lake Pend Oreille contributes to the Pend Oreille-Columbia River hydro-electric power system. Some 80 percent of the highly touted renewable energy comes from hydro power. Without water storage capabilities to adjust to the seasonal flows for uniform power generation, we would have to resort to other energy sources such as the much despised coal-fired generating stations.

The jury is still out the effects of lake level fluctuations on the lake fishery but it probably pales in comparison to the effects of the 1970s’ introduction of the Mysis shrimp, then touted by the Idaho Department of Fish & Game and some outfitters to be the panacea for getting 6- to 8-pound kokanee.

As for returning to pre-dam conditions and restoration of the natural ecosystems, I say go for it, but just remember that nature is not kind. Remember the great Lake Missoula floods, the 1910 fires or the more recent flooding in 1948 and 2005.

RICHARD F. CREED

Sagle