Central Washington Irrigators, Flip-Flop Is Underway

Farmers and irrigators in the Yakima Basin are seeing seasonal changes in river operations as the Bureau of Reclamation begins its annual “flip-flop.”

The operation is designed to improve conditions for Chinook salmon spawning in the upper Yakima, Cle Elum, and Bumping rivers, while also helping build winter reservoir storage for the next irrigation season. For senior and junior water rights holders, that means changing river flows over the next several weeks.

Reclamation said releases from Rimrock Reservoir are increasing daily and are expected to peak September 15th. Water will also be diverted into the Yakima River near Thorp through the Kittitas Reclamation District’s spillway, beginning after Labor Day.

“Partnership is essential to managing the Yakima basin—our coordinated work with local districts, communities, and stakeholders helps us meet water, fish, and safety needs across the system,” said Chad Stuart, Reclamation Yakima Field Office manager. “This annual operation helps stabilize flows basin‑wide and allows Reclamation to meet ecological and irrigation needs heading into the next water year.”

Farmers and others working along area rivers are urged to use caution, particularly near the Thorp spillway, where flows can become dangerously turbulent.

After mid-September, Reclamation transitions back to normal operations, completing the seasonal cycle.

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