East of the Cascade Mountains, rainfall is unpredictable and farming is difficult without a steady supply of water. As early as 1890, various private irrigation projects tried to remedy this by diverting water from the mountains to the dry land below. By 1906, the United States Bureau of Reclamation had bought several reservoir sites, including Lake Keechelus.

This photo, taken around 1917, shows the building of the dam at the south end of Lake Keechelus. After the dam was completed, the new reservoir stored water to irrigate the Yakima River Valley. The improved water supply stimulated the growth of farms, orchards, and vinyards throughout the area.