This started out as a dry fall, Riffe Lake was extremely low, and I believe Tacoma was concerned about having a second dry winter in a row. Power prices were low, and I suspect they contracted for a good share of cheap power. They can call in the "cheap megawatts" now, since they would have to pay for it anyway, and store water in Riffe, helping to make their power supply system whole again. I'm not an energy industry expert, but I do keep an eye on it.

6kcfs is probably close to a normal natural winter flow in the Cowlitz near Mayfield. The 12 to 14kcfs is entirely unnatural, except for short spates or freshets that would typically last just a few days.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.