News Release Archive

Reclamation increases flows out of McKay Dam

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

For Release: May 17, 2019

PENDLETON, Ore. – With the National Weather Service Flood Watch in effect for the Pendleton area and significant rainfall expected over the weekend, the Bureau of Reclamation, in coordination with the National Weather Service, is closely monitoring weather conditions that inform the reservoir operations at McKay Dam and Reservoir.

On May 16, 2019, the Bureau of Reclamation increased releases to 500 cubic feet per second out of McKay Dam. These releases were coordinated with the downstream community with the intent of creating more storage space to accommodate incoming flows and to manage flood risk. The facility is operating as expected, and the dam is safe.

Releases will increase throughout today to 1,200 cfs by 3:00 pm in an effort to save space in the reservoir. As additional precipitation enters the system, flows may need to be adjusted over the weekend. Reclamation will continue to work closely with Umatilla County and City of Pendleton as conditions develop over the next few days.

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.

“We take our responsibility to safely operate our facility seriously, and are committed to remaining open and transparent,” said Umatilla Field Office Manager Sean Kimbrel. “We are in close coordination with Umatilla County, the City of Pendleton, and the National Weather Service.” McKay Reservoir is nearing a normal capacity of 65,500 acre-feet; however, an additional 6,000 af of storage is available for flood control purposes. The additional 6,000 af of storage is not shown on Reclamation’s Hydromet site.

Weather forecasts can be uncertain and change over time. Reclamation and the National Weather Service will continue to closely monitor conditions during this rain event. 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.

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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.