BEND, Ore. — A federal report shows that this summer’s stream flow in Oregon is better than last year’s, but that flow levels are expected to recede earlier than usual.
The June report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service says April’s warm temperatures caused the winter snowpack to melt early, causing earlier peaks in river flows.
Scott Oviatt, with the conservation service, told the Bend Bulletin (http://bit.ly/1U3rBKj ) that municipalities, fisheries and others that rely on stream flow should expect shortages.
Last year, when most of Oregon was categorized as in severe to extreme drought, the statewide snowpack peaked at the lowest levels measured in the last 35 years.
Oviatt says there’s been significant improvement from 2015, but noted conditions could worsen if it gets too hot and dry.
