News Release Archive

Reclamation Increases Releases at McKay Dam

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov
Chet Sater, csater@usbr.gov

For Release: March 31, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation has ramped up flows late Wednesday afternoon at McKay Dam from 400 cubic-feet-per second to 800 cfs in response to recent rains and to slowdown the rate of fill into the reservoir. Increased precipitation may also require water managers to ramp up flows again up to 1,200 cfs by the end of the week. 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 which could continue throughout April and into May.

McKay Dam was built in 1927 and 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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