Headgates to the ‘A’ canal in Klamath Falls were opened Friday morning, and water is now flowing to farmers on the Klamath Project.
A simple flick of the switch marks the start of irrigation season on the Klamath Project. The water flows through about 200 miles of canals and irrigation ditches.
“It goes all the way down into California,” said Darin Kandra of the Klamath Irrigation District. “Out to north, south Poe Valley, over towards Midland, about 60,000 acres.”
Drought conditions over the past several years have forced a late start, and an early shutoff of irrigation water, and not all farmers have gotten water.
“This is our normal startup time,” said Kandra. “We haven’t had a normal year for a while – so it’s somewhat good so far.” Kandra adds that the irrigation canals must be brought up slowly, “It will take about two weeks to flush and charge the system up. Deliver water, probably take orders about April 15th.”
Klamath Basin mountain snow pack levels are at 113% of average, and farmers hope that translates to a productive season. It’s still unclear exactly how much water Klamath Project farmers will receive this year. That information will be release April 7th at a meeting of the Klamath Water Users Association.
It’s estimated that Klamath Project agriculture brings in over $300 million dollars yearly to the local economy.
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