irrigation

USDA: Snowpack, Water Storage Concerning In NW
USDA: Snowpack, Water Storage Concerning In NW
USDA: Snowpack, Water Storage Concerning In NW
It may be early February, but there’s already concerns about irrigation this spring and summer because of the light snowpacks being reported across the west.   “The Snow Water equivalency percentage of averages to below normal just about everywhere and that does include much of the Northwest outside of Oregon and outside of the eastern slopes of the Northern Rockies,” said USDA Meteorologist Brad
Legislation To Protect Snake River Dams Introduced
Legislation To Protect Snake River Dams Introduced
Legislation To Protect Snake River Dams Introduced
On Wednesday, Idaho Senator Jim Risch and Central Washington Representative Dan Newhouse introduced the Northwest Security Act.  The legislation would o require the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the U.S. Army C...
Merkley, Wyden Announce $50M For Klamath Basin Drought Resilience
Merkley, Wyden Announce $50M For Klamath Basin Drought Resilience
Merkley, Wyden Announce $50M For Klamath Basin Drought Resilience
Oregon senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced late last week that a $50 million federal investment from the Inflation Reduction Act is headed to the Klamath Basin.  The funds will primarily go toward a new agreement that supports irrigators facing prolonged drought conditions.  The programs receiving fund...
Oregon Snowpack Looks Good, Dry Weather Expected To Close January
Oregon Snowpack Looks Good, Dry Weather Expected To Close January
Oregon Snowpack Looks Good, Dry Weather Expected To Close January
The higher elevations of Oregon have received much needed snow this fall and winter, leading to very good snowpack numbers across the state.  Matt Warbritton with NRCS said right now, the statewide snowpack is 142% of normal.   “Snowpack is probably most notable across many parts of Southern Oregon, Eastern Oregon, where it's now well above normal. Snowpack in those r...
Newhouse Encouraged About Trump 2.0
Newhouse Encouraged About Trump 2.0
Newhouse Encouraged About Trump 2.0
Once again, efforts are underway to remove the Snake River dams.  Officials in the state of Washington as well as the Federal level say the dams must be removed to help salmon migration numbers as well as the overall environment.  Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse said over the past four years of the Biden Administration, the dams have been in the crosshairs, despite the many benefits they bring t
Mattson Named New Office of Columbia River Director
Mattson Named New Office of Columbia River Director
Mattson Named New Office of Columbia River Director
Washington Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson has named Larry Mattson as director of the agency’s Office of Columbia River.  Mattson currently oversees renewable energy grants at the Washington State Department of Commerce.  He has also worked...
Central Oregon Irrigation Projects Awarded Federal Funds
Central Oregon Irrigation Projects Awarded Federal Funds
Central Oregon Irrigation Projects Awarded Federal Funds
Oregon’s senators announced funding Monday for a trio of Central Oregon irrigation projects.  Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced $37.4 million from the Inflation Reduction Act for piping projects in Central Oregon that the two say will boost drought resiliency, conserve almost 5,000 acre-feet of water annually, and create stronger aquatic ecosystems in the Deschutes River Basin.   “Benef... Read
Republican Senators Wants Snake River Dams Left Alone
Republican Senators Wants Snake River Dams Left Alone
Republican Senators Wants Snake River Dams Left Alone
On Thursday, Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch demanded the Biden administration stop any eleventh-hour attempts to breach the lower Snake River dams.   “The incoming administration should be allowed the time and opportunity to carefully review and shape the management of the Columbia River System, including the lower Snake River dams.  The rive...
La Nina Not Developing Like Hoped
La Nina Not Developing Like Hoped
La Nina Not Developing Like Hoped
Drought conditions across Oregon and Washington continue to improve, thanks to rain and snow over the last few weeks.  But Climatologist Zach Hoylman said not all areas are created equal.   “Snowpack is showing encouraging accumulation, so far, in the west, and a slower start in the east.  However, it’s very...

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