Columbia-Pacific Northwest Region

Reclamation announces Yakima basin May water supply forecast

YAKIMA, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s May 2025 total water supply available forecast for the Yakima basin indicates the water supply will not fully meet irrigation demands this season. The early estimate of the total water supply available for the May–September period indicates senior water rights will receive 100% full entitlements, but junior water rights will receive 51% of their full entitlements. Read More>>

Reclamation announces Yakima basin April water supply forecast

YAKIMA, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s April 2025 total water supply available forecast for the Yakima basin indicates the water supply will not fully meet irrigation demands this season. The early estimate of the total water supply available for the April–September period indicates senior water rights will receive 100% full entitlements, but junior water rights will receive 58% of their full entitlements. Read More>>

Reclamation announces Yakima basin March water supply forecast

YAKIMA, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s March 2025 total water supply available forecast for the Yakima basin indicates the water supply will not fully meet irrigation demands this season. Read More>>

McKay Dam monitoring continues as reservoir flows increase

Pendleton, Ore. – Feb. 28, 2025. The Bureau of Reclamation reminds the public to exercise caution because flows from McKay Dam have increased to accommodate basin inflows to the reservoir from precipitation and mountain snowmelt. Read More>>

Irrigation operations begin for the Columbia Basin Project

GRAND COULEE, Wash. – In preparation for the 2025 irrigation season, the Bureau of Reclamation initiated the main canal operation startup at Banks Lakes, pumping water from the John W. Keys III Pump-Generating Plant into the north end of Banks Lake on Feb. 22, 2025, concluding on Feb. 24.Read More>>

20 years of impact: Justin Harter, Naches-Selah Irrigation District Manager

When Justin Harter became the Naches-Selah Irrigation District’s first District Manager in 2004, he brought with him a vision shaped by years of experience in the South Columbia Basin Irrigation District.Read More>>

Historic Grand Coulee Dam Light Board Recommissioned on New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve 2024, the historic Light Board at Grand Coulee Dam was officially recommissioned. This event revived a cherished tradition that has illuminated the local landscape since the late 1950s. Read More>>

Reclamation enforces vehicle restrictions on Hot Springs Wildlife Management Area near Lake Cascade

CASCADE, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation has closed the Hot Springs Wildlife Management Area along Stonebreaker Lane near the Sugarloaf State Park Unit to vehicle traffic. Read More>>