News Release Archive

Reclamation increases releases out of McKay Dam

Media Contact: Michael Coffey, 208) 378-5020, mcoffey@usbr.gov

For Release: April 11, 2019

PENDLETON, Ore. – This afternoon, April 11, 2019, the Bureau of Reclamation will be increasing operational releases out of McKay Dam by 250 cubic feet per second, to approximately 1,400 cfs into McKay Creek. Releases are currently expected to continue through Sunday, April 14, 2019.

McKay Creek flows through the neighborhoods of southwest Pendleton, Ore. Minor flooding is expected in the backyards that are along McKay Creek with the increase in operational releases.

Releases out of McKay Dam are subject to change based on the changing spring time weather conditions and updated inflow forecasts for McKay Creek. McKay Reservoir is nearing a normal capacity of 65,500 acre-feet; however, an additional 6,000 af of storage is available for flood purposes, which contains inflows that are currently higher than releases from McKay Dam.

Reclamation officials are advising the public to be aware of the potential danger associated with McKay Creek flows. The water is cold and can be deep and fast in various locations. Extreme caution should be used near the river banks.

For real-time McKay Creek flow information from McKay Dam, visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtgraph.html?list=mcko%20q&daily=mcko%20qd.

# # #

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.

Relevant Link:

https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtgraph.html?list=mcko%20q&daily=mcko%20qd