In the early 20th century, the formation of Lake Tapps marked a significant engineering achievement with the inception of the White River Project. Constructed by Stone & Webster for the Pacific Coast Power Company starting in 1909, the project aimed to harness the White River’s hydroelectric potential. By diverting water through an elaborate system of flumes and basins, the engineers managed to flood four natural lakes—Crawford, Kirtley, Church, and Tapps—to create the reservoir we know and love today.
The construction of Lake Tapps was monumental, encompassing 19 dams and barriers, seven miles of storage basins, and five miles of canals. The logistics involved in this project were staggering, requiring 20 million board feet of timber for flumes, canal linings, and rail trestles, all sourced from an on-site sawmill. Imagine the enormity of this endeavor; the lumber used could have laid out a sidewalk stretching from Seattle to New York! The reservoir itself provided an impressive 2.5 billion cubic feet of water storage, capable of generating 18 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. This transformation brought about the creation of Lake Tapps, marking the dawn of a new era for our community and the surrounding areas.
The journey from conception to the operational hydroelectric power station was a swift and efficient process, completed in an astonishing 20 months despite the remote and densely forested terrain. The ingenuity of the engineers and the hard work of around 1,000 men employed in the project were facilitated by the strategic construction of a standard-gauge railway around Lake Tapps. This railway connected the existing Northern Pacific Railway stations in Buckley and Dieringer, enabling the adequate transportation of supplies and equipment. The sheer will to transform the wilderness into a sustainable energy source is a testament to the pioneering spirit of those involved.
Upon completion, Lake Tapps served as a reservoir. They became a crucial source of hydroelectric power for the region, with the energy produced being carried across eight transmission lines to meet the needs of Seattle and Tacoma. Remarkably, it would take more than three decades for electricity to light up the future of Bonney Lake. Today, Lake Tapps is a testament to human ingenuity and a pivot for community and development. Its historical roots in powering our region echo through to the present day, reminding us of the groundbreaking work that transformed natural lakes into a power hub. As residents, potential home buyers, and local business owners, we can take pride in the historical significance of Lake Tapps in enriching our community’s heritage and livelihood.
