News Release Archive

Klamath Basin Water Year Type Improves From "Dry" to "Below-Average" Conditions

Media Contact: Jeffrey S. McCracken, 916-978-5100, 06/07/2005 22:55

For Release: June 07, 2005

Based on the latest Natural Resource Conservation Service forecast, the water year type for the Upper Klamath Lake and Klamath River has become below-average instead of dry, according to Klamath Basin Area Office Manager Dave Sabo.

"The wet weather patterns are continuing much later into the summer than in recent years, resulting in more water available to meet all the demands on the lake and the river," Sabo said.

Reclamation expects to meet both the increased requirements of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) biological opinions and accommodate typical agriculture deliveries.

Reclamation has discussed adjustments in flow levels with NOAA Fisheries and FWS that will meet required levels for a below-average year type. Water will be provided from reserves put aside in Agency Lake and Barnes Ranch as well as from the water bank to meet Endangered Species Act and tribal trust responsibilities.

As of June 1, 2005, the water bank had expended about 71,140 acre-feet, leaving it just short of 30,000 acre-feet for the remaining irrigation season.

The new schedule of flows is available at: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/kbao/ .

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Relevant Link:

Schedule of Flow for Klamath River from NOAA Fisheries