On Wednesday, April 1, 2009, the Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Basin Area Office (KBAO) and local irrigation district managers determined that deliveries can begin into the Klamath Project irrigation canals on or before April 10.  Initiating delivery 5 days earlier than anticipated is possible because of improved hydrological conditions.  Due to the time necessary to fill the canals, the actual availability of water depends on where the user is located on the Project.

Forecasts indicate improved hydrological conditions will allow Upper Klamath Lake to reach the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Biological Opinion minimum lake level and allow operations to begin by the projected date.  The minimum lake level is in place to protect the habitat of endangered Lost River and shortnose suckers.  At this time, the Natural Resource Conservation Service estimates that seasonal inflow will be about 78 percent of average. 

"Reclamation agreed to adjust the anticipated start date because of the current favorable conditions," said Ms. Susan Fry, Area Manager for Reclamation's Klamath Project.  "It is still vital for everyone who uses Reclamation water to conserve in every way possible.  This will help with our goal of supplying the water our irrigators need without interruption."   

Reclamation will continue to coordinate with the State of Oregon, the FWS, and other Federal, State, and local organizations to examine all possible ways to fulfill water supply obligations that include the protection of fish and wildlife and associated habitats.

The KBAO website will be updated with the most current information regarding lake levels and estimated inflow.  For additional information, please contact Mr. Kevin Moore, KBAO Public Affairs, at 541-880-2557, e-mail klmoore@mp.usbr.gov, or visit the KBAO website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/kbao/.