Canals being converted to pipes in Central Oregon, snowpack deteriorating
2/12/2022 2:09:44 AM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
Deschutes County, OR
Jefferson County, OR
Start Date: 2/11/2022
-
Irrigation districts in Central Oregon are protecting their water supplies against the drier years by converting canals to pipes. Early 2022 is looking like one of those dry years.
Decreasing snowpack in the Cascades is starting to indicate that another year of drought may be on the horizon for Central Oregon. The snowpack was 130% of average in early January, but dry, warm weather has melted the snowpack. On Feb. 11, snowpack in the Upper Deschutes and Crooked River basin was 92% of normal while precipitation for the water year was 89% of normal, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
In addition, Wickiup Reservoir is expected to fill to its lowest level in history and is 44% full, although it would normally be about 84% full at this time of year. Water supplies may be lower in 2022 than in 2021.
Bend Bulletin (Ore.), Feb 11, 2022
Sources
