McKay Creek Seasonal Flows May Increase

PENDLETON, Ore. - Seasonal releases from McKay Dam will begin in the coming weeks, and the Bureau of Reclamation urges the public to exercise caution in and along the banks of McKay Creek.

Reservoir storage, current snowpack conditions, and both short- and long-term weather forecasts may require additional flow adjustments at McKay Dam. Creek levels will continue to fluctuate throughout the spring and into the summer based on snowmelt, storm events, and seasonal irrigation demands. Reclamation will continue to closely monitor basin conditions.

The public is reminded that water levels can change quickly and without warning. Flows may be cold, swift, and deep in places, creating potentially hazardous conditions. Visitors, property owners, anglers, and recreationists should use extreme caution near riverbanks and avoid entering fast-moving water.

Real-time flow and reservoir information for the Umatilla River Basin, including McKay Creek, is available at: https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtindex/umatilla.html

Construction on McKay Dam was completed in 1927 and furnishes a supplementary supply of water to the Stanfield and Westland irrigation districts. The reservoir has an active capacity of 71,534 acre-feet, of which 6,000 acre-feet is used exclusively for flood risk management.

Residents with questions about the reservoir operations may call Reclamation's Umatilla Field Office at 541-564-8616.