Where Does Our Water Come From?

Snowpack is the largest contributor to streamflow in the Deschutes watershed (basin). The Deschutes River is the largest spring-fed river in the United States. Melting snow soaks into the ground to recharge the groundwater aquifer and feeds the Upper Deschutes primarily through springs.

About 80 inches of snow per year and 10 inches of rain account for the total precipitation in the Basin. When absorbed into the ground, snow and rain either enter the water system through springs (groundwater) or through rivers and streams (surface water runoff).

Because of its close connection to groundwater, the Deschutes River was historically one of the most stable flowing rivers in the world, despite Central Oregon’s dry semi-arid climate.

Snowmelt from the Cascades infiltrates into the ground and contributes to the Deschutes flows via springs, rather than running across the landscape in the form of surface water streams. This results in relatively stable flows compared to other rivers that rise directly in response to heavy rain and melting snow.