Predicted water shortage evaporates

The back of an intensely warm July seems to have been broken -and hay, alfalfa and orchard grass growers in Sisters Country are breathing a sigh of relief.

While their water supply has been reduced to 70 percent as of August 12, that's an improvement over last year. Given the spate of hot weeks it was a surprise to Jim Williams, Water and Hydro Manager for Three Sisters Irrigation District.

The District supplies water to 185 users with 7,572 acres. Williams told The Nugget: "Last year this time I'm thinking we were already down to 50 percent, and it looked like we would be losing snow fast."

Runoff from snow in the Three Sisters mountains flowing through a series of small streams and collected in Whychus Creek is the source for the District's water. It is then distributed to users through Cloverdale, down the McKenzie Canyon, and into Lower Bridge. The city of Sisters may be built on tourism, but agriculture is the economic lifeblood of the greater Sisters Country, with estimates approximating $30 million annually. The hay business alone is thought to be worth $14 to $15 million. Livestock is an $8 to $9 million factor.

Water, or lack of it, can be the difference between a livelihood and financial disaster.

As rabbit brush is turning golden and nights are steadily in the 40s, most farmers are headed to their third cutting of hay.

"Some went for a bigger first cut and will not have three, but most will," said Williams.

By the numbers

Looking at the reports from the Three Creeks Meadow monitoring station, it's easy to see why, despite the heat, there's enough water. The year 2023 was a good year, with 37.5 inches of precipitation reached by August 14. This year is a close second at 36.8 inches.

Snows came late this year, and reached a maximum depth of 46 inches on March 5, whereas last year the station peaked at 64 inches on April 3. However, the more important measurement of snow water equivalent was close. It was May 16 last year when the last drop of snow melted, and May 6 this year.

Whose water is it?

Under Oregon law, all water belongs to the public. With some exceptions, cities, irrigators, businesses, and other water users must obtain a permit or license from the Water Resources Department to use water from any source - whether it is underground, or from lakes or streams. Generally speaking, landowners with water flowing past, through, or under their property do not automatically have the right to use that water without authorization from the Department.

Oregon's water laws are based on the principle of prior appropriation. This means the first person to obtain a water right on a stream is the last to be shut off in times of low streamflows. In water-short times, the water rights holder with the oldest date of priority can demand the water specified in his or her water right without regard for the needs of junior users.

If there is a surplus beyond what is necessary to fulfill the senior right, the water rights holder with the next oldest priority date can take what is available to satisfy needs under his or her right. This continues down the line until there is no surplus or until all rights are satisfied. The date of application for a permit to use water usually becomes the priority date of the right.

Vast improvement in drought conditions

Graphic provided

A look at the Oregon drought map presents an entirely different picture than a year ago, when Deschutes County sat at D3 (Extreme Drought), and half of Oregon posted D4 (Exceptional Drought) conditions. Drought in 2023 had a severe negative impact on farmers and ranchers in neighboring Crook County, where thousands of head of cattle and acres were taken out of production.

The Prineville Reservoir was at dangerously low levels in 2023. It was 73 percent full Sunday last. The Wickiup Reservoir was at 33 percent, normal for mid-August. Regional water storage is more than adequate to carry farmers into the rainy season.