New plan to rebuild Eightmile Dam and how it affects hikers

For years, WTA has been tracking and providing feedback on the Icicle Strategy, an effort to address Icicle Creek’s water levels and ability to provide water for fish, farms and people. WTA and hikers have a stake in this process because the popular Enchantments permit area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness drains into Icicle Creek. 

Eightmile Lake and three other lakes (Colchuck, Square and Klonaqua lakes) in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness are managed by the Icicle and Peshastin Irrigation Districts to provide water for irrigation, drinking supply and hatchery and wild salmon. Last spring, the state released three alternative plans for reconstructing Eightmile Dam. WTA sent a comment letter to the Washington Department of Ecology sharing our concerns about these construction options and asked you to speak up to request that the state does all it can to preserve the wilderness character and hiker access surrounding Eightmile Lake during construction and operation of the new dam.

Photo of Eightmile Lake by Sarah Frazelle.

Just a few weeks ago, the state released its Final Environmental Impact Statement for the dam’s construction and its preferred construction plan. The chosen option will increase the footprint of the dam and also give water managers the ability to change the water level in the lake by more than before: 4 feet higher than the lake’s previous high point and 4 feet lower than its previous low level (only during drought years).

WTA recognizes that the Department of Ecology’s dam safety office deemed the original dam to be a safety hazard due to the 2017 Jack Creek Fire and the construction of homes in the Icicle Creek floodplain downstream. We understand and support the need to maintain the dam for this reason.

Hiker comments helped plan to protect access, improve communication during construction

WTA is encouraged to see that feedback from WTA and other outdoor recreation groups about communicating with the public was incorporated into the preferred plan.

• During the 15-20 week construction period, the area around the dam would be closed, but the trail would be rerouted around that area so hikers can continue to use this and nearby trails during construction.
• The state intends to notify the public about construction schedules and activities (including associated noise from construction equipment and helicopters) before the lottery for overnight permits to camp in the Enchantments area opens.
• The state intends to share information about construction activities in advance through outdoor groups including WTA, on the U.S. Forest Service website and at the Leavenworth Ranger Station.

Continued concerns for the wilderness character

Not all of the concerns that WTA shared in our comment letter in May 2023 about the project’s impact to hikers and the wilderness character of this treasured area were addressed including: 

• The original dam was built before the Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated. We believe the new dam’s construction should not create new impacts to the area’s wilderness character by expanding the footprint of the existing structure beyond the original dam’s size. In our comment letter, WTA asked for the dam to have a smaller footprint.
• The lake’s larger size and higher water levels during summer months will change the view of the lake for those who visit it. We believe this is contrary to the Wilderness Act’s mandate to maintain the scenic integrity of the landscape. 

When would construction start?

The state’s choice of a construction alternative does not mean that work is ready to begin. Plans will still need to go through a federal environmental analysis process, administered by the Forest Service, to ensure the project is consistent with the Wilderness Act. The earliest construction could begin would be summer 2025. 

Thanks to all who have joined WTA in sharing feedback on this construction project in a treasured hiking landscape. We will continue to keep you updated on the project’s progress and how you can help shape it.