KTVZ21: Central Oregon water levels remain low despite recent rain, officials warn

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Despite recent rain and even some late-season snow, Central Oregon’s water outlook remains concerning as the region heads into summer.

According to the Water Master, as of Monday, the upper Deschutes basin sits at 0% on snowpack and 78% of yearly precipitation for this date — a sign that recent storms have done little to improve long-term conditions.

Deschutes County Water Master Jeremy Giffin says the region is still feeling the impacts of a dry winter.

“This year, though, we’re in bad shape due to last winter,” Giffin said. “We were very low on our overall precipitation for the winter as well as the snowpack. And so while this last week’s thunderstorms helped, it’s really just a drop in the bucket. What we really need is more snowpack throughout the winter months.”

While recent storms briefly boosted streams and rivers, those gains were short-lived, and water levels have since returned to below-normal conditions.

That ongoing shortage could soon impact water users across the region.

“We do anticipate shut offs in local irrigation districts, depending on their priority date,” Giffin said.

At Dillon Falls, visitors say the difference in water levels is already noticeable.

“We have,” said Cheryl and Brad Emerson. “I mean, it’s still incredibly impressive to see all the water going down, but you can tell when you look at the rocks that the water level is down. It’s not quite as much as it usually is.”

Water managers say conservation will be key as Central Oregon moves into the drier summer months, urging residents to use water carefully as supplies remain limited.

If you're interested in tracking current and past snowpack levels, head over to the USDA's website.

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