Basin snowfall should increase after New Year

By TY BEAVER

H&N Staff Writer

December 11, 2007

   The Klamath Basin may not have a white Christmas, but weather experts say the months following should make up for an early lack of snow. 

   A seasonal forecast released by the Oregon Department of Agriculture indicated that Oregon should receive above-average precipitation this winter. 

   Lower than average temperature also are expected. 

   The bulk of the snow isn’t expected until after January. 

   The forecasted above-average precipitation is welcome news for those dealing with Klamath Basin water issues. Irrigators, wildlife and habitat could all benefit from an increase in water supplies. Officials noted that the snow still needs to fall, and one good water year will not solve long-term problems. 

   “We’re looking for the point where we aren’t biting our fingers all winter,” said Greg Addington, executive director of the Klamath Water Users Association. 

   Strong cooling 

   In his seasonal forecast, ODA meteorologist Pete Parsons said a strong cooling of the Pacific Ocean would contribute to colder and wetter winter weather in Oregon . 

   Called La Niña, the weather phenomenon occurs every three to seven years. Parsons says this is the strongest in the past two decades. The winter precipitation often comes late in the season with La Niñas. 

   Parsons’ forecast is something the Bureau of Reclamation relies on for the coming year. Cecil Lesley, chief of water and land with the Bureau, said his agency also is counting on a decent amount of precipitation this winter. 

   “Every little bit is very, very important,” he said. 

   January to March 

   Most of the precipitation is expected to come between January and March. 

   The region already has a bit of a jump thanks to the rainstorms that hit the Basin in October. The heavy rain helped charge supplies before the winter freeze moved in, Lesley said. 

   Other local officials are glad to hear the good news, but point out the predicted weather has yet to occur. 

   Willie Riggs, director of the Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center, said it’s critical precipitation be accompanied by temperatures to preserve it as snowpack for as long as possible. 

    Central Oregon warmer 

   Parsons’ forecast indicates that Central Oregon could have a warmer than normal weather despite cold temperatures expected west of the Cascades. 

   Addington said irrigators he represents will be happy to see stable water supplies in the coming year, but more long-term water storage capacity is needed to prepare for the years when Mother Nature isn’t so generous. 

   “We need to as much as possible to drought-proof ourselves,” he said.

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