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Department of Ecology News Release - May 15, 2009
09-110
YAKIMA – Because of low stream flows, irrigation diversions from the Methow River will be regulated beginning on Friday, May 22, 2009, according to the Washington Department of Ecology.
Stream flows in the Methow River have already been below adopted minimum instream flows during April, 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 the Methow River basin. Irrigators on the Okanogan and Similkameen rivers are regulated as well.
Junior water users on the Methow River will receive a letter telling them that they 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 remains in effect until the end of the irrigation season.
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 on May 7 predicts the following low spring/summer stream flow conditions for North Central Washington: Methow River, 66 percent of average; Okanogan River, 66 percent of average; Similkameen River, 64 percent of average; and Wenatchee River, 82 percent of average.
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Media Contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, 509- 575-2610; jred461@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.
