I’m a few days late on this, but I just had the chance to read the notes from the October 4 monthly meeting where Prineville Reservoir and Crooked River management is discussed. The notes (released October 16) stated that a healthy water balance in Prineville Reservoir will allow for releases of 100 cfs, hopefully through the winter, and should start on October 16. Checking the gauges I see this has occurred. Let’s hope for a wet winter and sustained winter flows in the Crooked!

A little more in the weeds, but critically important to river health below the City of Prineville, a secondary water right was finally granted by Oregon Water Resources Department to protect “fish flows” out of Prineville Reservoir. It only took 9 years. Thanks to Water Watch of Oregon for driving this.

When the Crooked River Act was passed in December 2014 it stated that water in excess of irrigation needs be released for the maximum biological benefit of fish all the way to Lake Billy Chinook. Unfortunately, that water was not protected with an instream water right which allowed water right holders downstream from the City of Prineville to withdraw it. An instream water right application was filed to protect the fish water but OWRD did not move on this application until recently. That was typical of the way OWRD operated in the past, I am thankful that they are finally starting to protect the public’s water.