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Yakima Tieton irrigation makes emergency repairs to canal, increasing water supply to 51% | Local

The Bureau of Reclamation recently announced an increase in the August water supply for junior water rights holders in the Yakima Basin, raising it from 50% to 51%. This one percent increase may seem small, but it has significant implications for the districts and farmers who rely on this water for irrigation. Doug Call, a Bureau of Reclamation river operator, emphasized the importance of this increase, stating that it is good news for both the districts and the farmers.

The Bureau of Reclamation manages five water storage reservoirs in the Yakima area, including Keechelus, Kachess, Cle Elum, Bumping, and Rimrock. These reservoirs play a crucial role in distributing water among rights holders in the region. Currently, Kachess reservoir is at 51% capacity, while Keechelus is at 22%. Call mentioned that Kachess will start supplying water once Keechelus drains out, highlighting the intricate water management system in place.

Despite challenges such as the Retreat Fire burning nearby, Reclamation staff have been able to maintain normal operations at Rimrock Reservoir. Teresa Hauser, acting supervisory hydrologist for the Yakima field office, mentioned that staff members have had to navigate around the fire by driving over Chinook Pass. Additionally, Reclamation staff have assisted the Yakima Tieton Irrigation District with a damage assessment and debris removal from the district’s main canal, which supplies water to approximately 28,000 acres in the Upper Yakima Valley.

The Retreat Fire, which started near the district’s river diversion, has necessitated a full shutdown of the irrigation canal for emergency repairs. Crews have been working diligently to remove obstacles such as boulders, repair concrete, and clear out trees from the canal. The completion of these repairs allowed water to flow in the canal again, with the district implementing a rotating shutoff schedule to manage water distribution effectively.

Looking ahead, Rimrock Reservoir is currently at 85% capacity, playing a crucial role in providing water later in the season after the annual Yakima River “flip flop.” This phenomenon, which occurs around early September, redistributes water flow in various rivers in the region. Overall, storage across the Yakima Basin reservoirs is at 46% capacity, which is 65% of the average. This year marks the fifth lowest storage volume year for the Yakima Project, attributed to above-normal hot and dry conditions and poor winter snowpack.

Bureau of Reclamation hydrologists are closely monitoring weather patterns and forecasts from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, which predict above-normal temperatures through mid-August and above-normal precipitation in the fall. Despite the challenges posed by low water storage levels, efforts are being made to manage water resources effectively and sustainably in the Yakima Basin.

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