Cook Lake project nears completion

An ongoing project to replace the dam at Cook Lake is reaching its final stages, says District Ranger Mike Gosse. The popular site is still open for day use activities and will be open for camping in the 2021 season.

“Work continues to proceed nicely,” says Gosse of the $1.2 million dam project, which saw the 60-year-old dam replaced due to wear-and-tear and leakage. The new structure will be able to handle a larger volume of water in the event of heavy rain or snow melt.

“The Bureau of Reclamation finished their work in mid-August and has left,” Gosse continues. “They completed the installation of the toe drain, installation of rip rap in front of the spillway and finished the ground work around the spillway.”

Where the ground had been disturbed, hydro-seeding took place in late August.

“We used pumps to water the newly seeded ground until we received snow on Labor Day, which was actually great for the seed,” Gosse says.

“The snow has now melted and we are watering on a limited basis again.”

Certain smaller items still remain on the completion list, however.  

“The safety/security fencing will be installed on September 28 by a private contractor, who is expected to complete the work in four to five days,” says Gosse. 

“The Forest Service will then place gravel down on the road, place jersey barriers on top of the spillway to prevent vehicles from going over the edge and place some safety signage on the new fence.”

Gosse anticipates that these items will be complete by the end of October, which will bring the project to a close.

In the meantime, Gosse reminds the public that Cook Lake is open for day use activities such as fishing and picnicking.

“With the approaching fall colors and cooler temperatures it is a beautiful time of year to get out and take a drive to see the lake and the new spillway,” he says.

“I greatly appreciate the public’s help in staying out of the construction area while these last steps to complete the project are ongoing. We are planning on opening Cook Lake for camping in 2021.”