News Release Archive

Reclamation Increases Releases at McKay Dam

Media Contact: David Walsh, (208) 378-5026, dwalsh@pn.usbr.gov
Chet Sater, csater@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: March 31, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation has ramped up flows from McKay Dam from 10 cubic-feet-per second to 500 cfs is in response to recent rains and rapidly melting snowpack. Flows may increase up to 1,000 cfs by the end of the week depending on rainfall, according to Reclamation water managers. McKay Dam is located on McKay Creek about 6 miles south of Pendleton, Ore.

Reclamation is advising people along McKay Creek to exercise caution due to the increasing flows. These higher outflows could continue throughout April and into May.

"These are normal spring-time flows and within the safe channel capacity of McKay Creek, however, riverbank erosion is possible in some areas," said Chet Sater, Irrigation Systems Operator. "We just want people downstream to be aware of the sudden change and to exercise caution."

McKay Dam, built in 1926, supplies water to Stanfield and Westland Irrigation Districts. Local residents with questions about the reservoir operations can call Reclamation's Umatilla Field Office at (541) 564-8616.

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