Keechelus: A Lake Or A Reservoir?

 

This is the view of Lake Keechelus that we usually see as we zoom over Snoqualmie Pass, right? But it has a different, more lovely, view:

Keechelus is both a lake and a reservoir in Kittitas County, Washington (approximately 50 miles southeast of Seattle). 

I had long thought this lake was a reservoir for Seattle's water, but not so.  The lake was/is the source of the Yakima River and is used as a storage reservoir for the Yakima irrigation needs. Although a natural lake, Keechelus Lake's storage capacity and discharge is controlled by Keechelus Dam, a 128-foot high earth-fill structure built in 1917.

The name Keechelus comes from the Native American term meaning "few fish," in contrast to nearby Kachess Lake, whose name means "more fish." 

As you zoom along I-90 the next time, take a good look at Keechelus Lake and, being in the know, smile.