Long Lake studies under way

Funding available for three years of research into water storage

By STEVE KADEL

H&N Staff Writer

July 14, 2007

   The Bureau of Reclamation is proceeding with a feasibility study that could lead to long-term water storage at Long Lake . 

   Pablo Arroyave, the agency’s Klamath Project area manager, discussed details of the possible venture Thursday during the Klamath River Compact Commission’s meeting. He said three-year funding to complete the study is in hand. 

   “The challenge then becomes getting (congressional) funding,” he said, with an attempt possible in 2010 or 2011. 

   Cost estimates for developing Long Lake range from $250 million to $500 million. 

   Jon Hicks, Reclamation’s Klamath Project planning division chief, cautioned that the numbers a re speculative. Exact figures won’t be determined until the project is further along. 

    Long Lake , just west of Upper Klamath Lake ’s outlet has been studied as a possible storage site since 1987. However, water storage wasn’t considered vital in those days, Arroyave said. 

   “It was not a savvy thing to do,” he said. “Now, additional storage is widely accepted as critical, especially in the Klamath Basin .” 

   Storage situation 

   Storage is needed to provide enough water for irrigators and for federal flow requirements for endangered salmon and suckers. 

   Current storage is in Upper Klamath Lake . However, there’s considerable evaporation because of the large surface area, and the water is warm because the lake is no deeper than 8 feet. 

   In contrast, Long Lake would have less evaporation. It also might provide colder water that fish thrive on. 

   Hicks said geological drilling conducted two and a half years ago indicated the lake bed could hold 350,000 acre-feet of water without being porous. Depth would be about 160 feet. 

   BOR is running on a fast track with the project due to the 2000 Klamath Basin Water Enhancement Act.

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