News Release Archive

Reclamation Increases Flows at McKay Dam

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, aross@usbr.gov
Michael Bommer, mbommer@usbr.gov

For Release: June 04, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation will increase flows from McKay Dam over the next week in order to accommodate water entering the reservoir due to recent rains. The dam is located on McKay Creek about 6 miles south of Pendleton, Ore.

Projected inflows into the reservoir are forecast to remain elevated into the week of June 7, and Reclamation is actively managing the reservoir and outflow into Lower McKay Creek. McKay Reservoir is projected to fill within the week.

"Releases are not expected to exceed 1,000 cfs," said Chet Sater, Natural Resources Specialist. "We are not anticipating any flow related problems along McKay Creek, but we would like people who may be near or around McKay Creek to exercise caution."

McKay Dam is an earthfill structure built by Reclamation in 1926. It 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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