PRINEVILLE, OR -- Irrigators who rely on Central Oregon’s Crooked River Basin for water are preparing for another growing season with limited water. Prineville Reservoir is at just 28% capacity, its lowest level on record for this time of year. 

"With minimal snowpack, minimal precipitation, the water is just not storing," says Christine Schuldheisz, with the Bureau of Reclamation. She tells KBND News the reservoir filled to just 62% capacity last year, contributing to this year’s shortfall, "We’re starting this year with a very low reservoir to begin with because last year it didn’t fill. So, precipitation rates again are a contributing factor. They’ve been the lowest over the past two to three years, and of course the temperatures have been generally increasing, as well."

The Bureau is in talks with irrigation districts who rely on that water, "Being very transparent about expected irrigation deliveries, so that the water users, the farmers can plan accordingly for their growing season," says Schuldheisz, "Oregon has seen this drought for several years now, so the farmers are preparing for it."

She says visitors to Prineville Reservoir State Park also need to be prepared. She doesn't expect the reservoir to go dry this summer, but the popular recreation spot will look a lot different and some activities may be limited as the reservoir is drawn down.