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Pendleton, Ore. – Feb. 28, 2025. The Bureau of Reclamation reminds the public to exercise caution because flows from McKay Dam have increased to accommodate basin inflows to the reservoir from precipitation and mountain snowmelt. 

Reclamation continues to monitor the storage content of the reservoir, current snowpack, and short- and long-term weather forecast, which may elevate discharges. Discharges from the reservoir were increased to 100 cubic feet per second on Feb. 26, 2025. These discharges are considered normal spring run-off operations. 

Chet Sater, Umatilla Field Office Manager, says “People who live or recreate in or around McKay Creek below McKay Dam should exercise caution because of the dangers inherent in swiftly moving or fluctuating water levels.” 

Construction on McKay Dam was completed in 1927 and furnishes a supplementary supply of water to the Stanfield and Westland irrigation districts. The reservoir has an active capacity of 71,534 acre-feet, of which 6,000 acre-feet is used exclusively for flood risk management. 

Residents with questions about the reservoir operations can call Reclamation’s Umatilla Field Office at 541-564-8616.