Current USGS Flow Graphs -

Contact: Jon Coney 

(503) 813-7070 

1-800-570-5838 

May 5, 2005

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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