News Release
| Release Number: | 05-049 |
| Dated: | 4/13/2005 |
| Contact: | Diana J. Fredlund, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, ORE.---The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said abnormally dry conditions in the Rogue Basin this winter and spring may prevent the refilling of Lost Creek and Applegate reservoirs.
Despite recent rains, overall conditions in the Rogue Basin remain significantly below average and there is very little chance to make up for dry conditions in January, February and early March, typically the wettest period of the year in the basin, according to Mike Posovich, hydraulic engineer with the Corps' Portland District.
The two reservoirs in the Rogue River Basin could remain below normal throughout the summer, depending on whether wet conditions continue through the spring, Posovich said. On April 12, Lost Creek Reservoir's elevation was at 1852 feet, 14 feet lower than at this same time in a normal year. Applegate Reservoir's current elevation is at 1947 feet, 26 feet below normal.
Corps water regulators face several concerns during this below-average water year, including protecting existing salmon and steelhead redds (nests of eggs) in the Rogue and Applegate rivers downstream of the reservoirs, maintaining adequate early summer flows to protect migrating adult salmon, as well as meeting water-rights contracts and other required allocations.
These concerns will be addressed in the Corps' final water management strategy, which will be developed in coordination with a number of other state and federal agencies, collectively known as the Rogue Basin Water Management Advisory Group. Part of the development process involves the agencies working together as the situation develops to balance the competing uses of the Corps' two reservoirs.
During low-water years, however, this decision-making process becomes increasingly difficult, Posovich said. "We will have a clearer picture of the potential impacts when the April and May water supply forecasts from the Natural Resources Conservation and National Weather Services are published," he said. "These monthly forecasts give us an idea of what flows and resulting reservoir levels to expect through the autumn." Even with the dry conditions, boaters will be able to access both reservoirs.
In addition to working with the advisory group, the Corps also will hold its annual public meetings in late May before the final plan is adopted. "This is a difficult year for everyone," said Jim Buck, Rogue River Basin operations manager. "Once again I'm very pleased with how everyone is coming together to work on a solution cooperatively."
The primary authorized purposes of Lost Creek and Applegate reservoirs are flood damage reduction, fishery enhancement and irrigation. Secondary authorized purposes include water quality and recreation. Additionally, Lost Creek Reservoir provides for municipal and industrial water supply as a primary purpose and hydropower as a secondary purpose.