PORTLAND, Ore.—PacifiCorp announced today that
there is a potential for localized
flooding in and around the Upper Klamath Lake
area. Upper Klamath Lake is nearly full,
and wet weather is expected to continue into
next week, bringing more precipitation to the
Klamath Basin over the next several days. Heavy
rainfall may temporarily increase inflows
into the Lake, creating the potential for
localized flooding, especially if accompanied
with
sustained high winds.
PacifiCorp has been in consultation with the
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)
about Lake levels and expected inflows. The BOR
has taken this information into
consideration and directed PacifiCorp to
increase flows at Link River Dam.
While these measures are being implemented,
heavy precipitation combined with
high winds could still lead to localized
flooding. Upper Klamath Lake elevations can be
significantly influenced by winds.
While it is not obligated to do so, PacifiCorp
feels it is important to alert the
community to the possibility of localized
flooding given the current lake level and
weather
forecast. Those persons with lands or living in
areas prone to flooding when Upper Klamath
Lake is near full should take appropriate
precautions to protect livestock and property.
There are also increased flows in the Klamath
River below Iron Gate Dam as a result
of this situation, but river levels are not
currently expected to reach flood stage.
PacifiCorp
has notified state and federal resource agencies
as well as lower Klamath River Tribes about
the increased flows.
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