In the early 1900’s, Lake Tapps was created by building many dikes around four area lakes; Lake Kirtley, Lake Crawford, Church Lake and Lake Tapps. A diversion dam was built near Buckley allowing water to flow from the White River for miles through a flume into Printz Basin where it then entered Lake Tapps near Inlet Island.
This Photo Gallery, taken during the 2002 winter draw-down, shows photos of Lake Tapps at historically low levels. These low levels allowed for much needed dike and dam repairs.
Chuck Burton, a Lake Tapps resident, historian and treasure, was my delightful tour guide for the day.
