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Department of Ecology News Release - May 1, 2009
09-097
YAKIMA – Because of low stream flows, irrigation diversions from several rivers in North Central Washington will be regulated earlier in the season this year than during normal water years, according to the Washington Department of Ecology.
Stream flows in the Okanogan and the Similkameen rivers are well below average and have already been below adopted minimum instream flows for several days in April. This is prompting the agency to require junior water users to check on conditions before diverting water. Lower than normal snowpack is contributing to lower water supplies in these basins.
Beginning May 6, irrigators on the Okanogan and Similkameen rivers must call the River Flow Information Line any day they intend to divert water. A recorded message will advise water users whether their river reach is open or closed for water diversions. Irrigators may dial toll-free 1-866-277-4092 or call 509-575-2490 to request the latest information. This procedure is in effect until the end of the irrigation season.
Water users on the Methow and Wenatchee rivers also may be advised to shut off their water earlier than in previous years. Water users will be notified by mail when they will be regulated. The National Weather Service’s River Forecast Center periodically issues April through September stream flow forecasts as a percent of average based on the years 1971-2000.
The most recent forecast issued April 23 predicts the following low spring/summer stream flow conditions for North Central Washington: Okanogan River, 59 percent of average; Similkameen River, 59 percent of average; Methow River, 63 percent of average; and Wenatchee River, 80 percent of average.
In the Yakima Basin, stream flow forecasts range from a low of 80 percent for Ahtanum Creek to a high of 92 percent for the Yakima River at Parker. According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, both junior and senior water rights holders are expected to receive their full water supply on the Yakima. Water forecasts for the rest of the state are closer to average or even above average with the exception to the Dungeness River at 80 percent and Skagit River at 82 percent.
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Media Contacts:
Joye Redfield-Wilder, 509-575-2610; jred461@ecy.wa.gov
Dan Partridge, 360-407-7139; dpar461@ecy.wa.gov
For more information: http://www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/water_supply/ws_fcst.cgi
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
