Cool temperatures and .4 inches of rain here last week, with more at higher elevation, resulted in a 3/4 inch rise in lake level to 9 7/8 inches below the top of the dam. If we get the heavy rains predicted for the coming days, the lake should rise a little more. At this point, with little water left to melt on Mt. Spokane, the lake will start dropping unless there is substantial rain.  For those planning a Memorial Day swim- BRRR!  Water temperature dropped 3 degrees to 53 last week.

The assessor's office posted new property values on their  web site today.  Minor changes in the value of improvements, but a 20% reduction in land values for nearly everyone on the lake. Notices will be mailed soon. Taxes will depend on the rates set after the taxing districts submit their budgets, but a guess would be that because county wide values dropped 15% and most taxing districts will try to hold budgets steady,  we could see a small tax reduction. The change in taxes, whether up or down, will probably be very small for most lake property owners.