SEATTLE — The Army Corps of Engineers has started to slowly raise the water behind Hanson Dam.
A reservoir wall at the dam was weakened during record rains last year, raising flood worries for the heavily developed Green River Valley downstream. Millions of dollars have been spent on flood preparations.
The reservoir was kept as empty as possible this winter, which has been drier and warmer than usual. The corps normally fills the reservoir each spring to help fish in the Green River and to supply water to the city of Tacoma.
The corps said today it plans to bring the reservoir up its usual spring level, but will make special tests and observations to be sure the reservoir wall is safe.
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