Water Education Foundation
This is just one post in the Northern California Category
Click here to view all posts

Reclamation announces delayed water deliveries for Klamath project

Posted by: Maven on March 11, 2009 at 6:41 am

From YubaNet.com, this from the Bureau of Reclamation:

Today, the Bureau of Reclamation notified the Klamath Water Users Association and other local irrigators that low lake levels and low inflows into Upper Klamath Lake could result in a delayed start to the irrigation season. The length of delay for starting water deliveries is dependent on the actual quantity and timing of inflow into the lake.

The current lake level is approximately 1.0 foot below the minimum elevation identified in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Biological Opinion. This level is in place to protect the habitat of endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers in Upper Klamath Lake. At this time the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) estimates that seasonal inflow will be about 71 percent of average. The current lake level and lower than average estimated inflow may potentially delay the start of operations to mid-April with deliveries in late April.

“Based on NRCS estimates and lake levels, Reclamation will need to adjust Project operations accordingly,” said Susan Fry, Area Manager for Reclamation’s Klamath Project. “It is critically important that when minimum lake levels are met, and Reclamation begins deliveries, irrigators conserve water at every opportunity. Conservation is the key to having an adequate supply of water for the entire irrigation season.”

Read more from YubaNet.com by clicking here.

March 11, 2009 · Filed Under Northern California

Comments

Leave a Reply