News Release Archive

Public Advised to Avoid Wickiup Reservoir Sinkhole

Reservoir Campground boat launch remains open, but public should use caution

Media Contact: Jean Nelson-Dean , (541) 383-5561, 06/27/2017 14:12
Dave Walsh , dwalsh@usbr.gov

For Release: June 27, 2017

Sinkhole at Wickiup ReservoirBEND, Ore. – The Bureau of Reclamation and the Deschutes National Forest are warning the public to stay away from a large sinkhole located near Reservoir Campground in the southwest side of Wickiup Reservoir.

The 10-foot-by 12-foot-wide hole is approximately four and a half-feet deep. The hole was discovered over the weekend by Forest Service employees on the reservoir’s shoreline.

“Be aware this is highly unstable ground,” says Reclamation’s Bend Field Office Manager Gregg Garnett. “The immediate area around the hole could possibly collapse as well.”

Deschutes National Forest is keeping the Reservoir Campground boat launch open at this time. The hole is located about 250 feet from the boat launch. Forest Service employees will continue to monitor the sinkhole to determine whether to keep the boat launch open. The public is advised the boat launch may close in the future.

Reclamation geologists and Forest Service engineers are investigating the sinkhole. Plans to stabilize the hole are underway.

For updates on the boat launch and campground visit the Deschutes National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/deschutes/alerts-notices or Reclamation site at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.