Despite being largely a high elevation, semi-arid plateau, the Deschutes Basin has relatively abundant water resources. Rain and snow in the eastern Cascade Mountains provide year-round water to much of the Deschutes Basin. Rain and melting snow soak through the volcanic soil into the underlying aquifer. Much of this water leaves the aquifer through springs and provides year-round streamflow.
Rain and snow in the Ochoco Mountains provide water to the Crooked River and its tributaries. The soil around the Crooked River is not as permeable as the soil around the Deschutes River, and rain and melting snow do not soak into the ground as easily. Less water enters and leaves the aquifer in this area.
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