Klamath River Flooding: Recently, I was asked why there isn’t
better flood control management of the Klamath River. To check my facts, I contacted Sally
Labriere at Pacific Power.
Sally indicated that the system of dams and reservoirs on the Klamath
River has very little flood control value. The only true feature that really has water
storage capacity is Upper Klamath Lake. This is managed for the irrigation needs of the
Klamath Project by the Bureau of Reclamation (BoR.)
Unlike Lake Shasta, which is drawn down in anticipation of winter
runoff, Upper Klamath Lake is managed to fill so that there is an adequate supply of water
to meet irrigation needs. The lake level and flows downriver are also managed according to
a biological opinion for the needs of sucker fish and coho salmon, which are listed under
the Endangered Species Act. Flood control downstream does not appear to be a priority,
although the BoR did delay releases from the lake one day during the flood to help with
flooding conditions.
Labriere indicated that Pacific Power is directed by the BoR as to
the flows it must release down the Klamath River. They can not hold back flows at their
discretion. It is all dictated by the BoR. She did mention that last year, Pacific Power
raised Iron Gate dam height by 10 feet to help increase some holding capacity before
reaching spill stage.
Greenview Nutrition Site: The
Valley Oaks Seniors is a local senior’s organization with a club house in Greenview
next to the Grange building. For several years, they have acted as the contractor to
provide nutritious hot meals for the homebound and congregate meals for seniors at the
club house site. A grant from PSA2 helps to subsidize the cost of meals for those elders
who are trying to live on very limited fixed incomes. The congregate meal also offers
socialization and activity opportunities. (By the way, the meals are really good. I ate
there just this week.)
Over the past year, the cost for providing the service has exceeded
the revenue collected through grants and senior meal contributions. To keep the nutrition
site in the black, the club has had to dig deep into its own savings that it established
over the years through fundraising activities such as emptying the trash at the
fairgrounds.
I encourage seniors to support the local nutrition program by
their patronage. Call ahead for a lunch reservation. Donations to support the Valley Oaks
Seniors would be appreciated. They may be sent to Valley Oaks Seniors, P.O. Box 284, Greenview,
CA 96037. For more information, please call Linda Berry at 468-5385.
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