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DRC News & Updates

Stay informed with our latest articles and updates.

Where Things Stand: Oregon Water Conditions This MarchWhere Things Stand: Oregon Water Conditions This March
News
March 13, 2026

Where Things Stand: Oregon Water Conditions This March

Oregon's snowpack is at just 29% of normal — the second-lowest on record — heading into spring 2026. Here's what that means for water supply in the Deschutes Basin, and why the DRC's work has never been more important.

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WATCH | How Water Moves Through Central Oregon: From Snowpack to Streams, Farms, and FaucetsWATCH | How Water Moves Through Central Oregon: From Snowpack to Streams, Farms, and Faucets
Videos
February 25, 2026

WATCH | How Water Moves Through Central Oregon: From Snowpack to Streams, Farms, and Faucets

This seminar helps viewers to understanding water challenges and opportunities in Central Oregon.

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Why Collaboration Became the Path Forward in the Deschutes Basin: 30 Year Anniversary SeriesWhy Collaboration Became the Path Forward in the Deschutes Basin: 30 Year Anniversary Series
News
February 4, 2026

Why Collaboration Became the Path Forward in the Deschutes Basin: 30 Year Anniversary Series

Explore how the Deschutes River Conservancy grew from shared water challenges into a collaborative approach to basin-wide river stewardship.

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30 Years of Collaboration for the Deschutes River: 30 Year Anniversary Series30 Years of Collaboration for the Deschutes River: 30 Year Anniversary Series
News
January 21, 2026

30 Years of Collaboration for the Deschutes River: 30 Year Anniversary Series

Celebrate 30 years of collaboration with the Deschutes River Conservancy as we share stories of partnership, progress, and stewardship across the basin.

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Tribal Sovereignty and Water in the Deschutes River Basin: Seminar ResourcesTribal Sovereignty and Water in the Deschutes River Basin: Seminar Resources
Raise the Deschutes
January 15, 2026

Tribal Sovereignty and Water in the Deschutes River Basin: Seminar Resources

A collection of resources and recordings featuring Tribal perspectives on sovereignty, water, and stewardship in the Deschutes Basin.

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    Water in the Media

    The latest water and river news in the Deschutes Basin.

    Bend Bulletin: ‘The worst drought on record:’ Deschutes County declares emergencyBend Bulletin: ‘The worst drought on record:’ Deschutes County declares emergency

    Bend Bulletin: ‘The worst drought on record:’ Deschutes County declares emergency

    Deschutes County has declared a drought emergency for the fifth time in six years, citing record-low snowpack at around 30% of normal. The declaration — requiring Governor Kotek's approval — aims to unlock state aid as officials warn of severe water curtailments, low river flows, and major impacts to agriculture, recreation, and natural resources.

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    Bend Bulletin: Oregon’s ‘terrible’ snowpack could lead to early irrigation seasonBend Bulletin: Oregon’s ‘terrible’ snowpack could lead to early irrigation season

    Bend Bulletin: Oregon’s ‘terrible’ snowpack could lead to early irrigation season

    Oregon's snowpack hit its second-lowest level on record as of March 2, 2026, raising concerns about drought, wildfires, and early water shortages heading into summer — particularly for irrigation-dependent regions like Central Oregon and the Klamath Basin.

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    Bend Bulletin: Tribes turn to beaver-inspired dams to revive Central Oregon streamsBend Bulletin: Tribes turn to beaver-inspired dams to revive Central Oregon streams

    Bend Bulletin: Tribes turn to beaver-inspired dams to revive Central Oregon streams

    The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs are using low-cost wooden structures called beaver dam analogs to restore degraded waterways on the reservation, slow water loss, rebuild wetlands, and improve cold-water habitat for salmon and steelhead.

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    Bend Bulletin: Oregon snowpack at record low as Northwest faces deepening snow droughtBend Bulletin: Oregon snowpack at record low as Northwest faces deepening snow drought

    Bend Bulletin: Oregon snowpack at record low as Northwest faces deepening snow drought

    A deepening snow drought has pushed Oregon’s snowpack to historic lows, with similar challenges unfolding across the Pacific Northwest. Warm winters are shrinking our natural water storage system, increasing risks to streamflows, agriculture, and wildfire resilience. It’s a stark reminder that proactive, basin-wide water solutions are more critical than ever.

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    OPB: Oregon’s on track to break low snowpack records, but there’s still hope for snowOPB: Oregon’s on track to break low snowpack records, but there’s still hope for snow

    OPB: Oregon’s on track to break low snowpack records, but there’s still hope for snow

    Oregon’s snowpack is near record lows as a snow drought grips the state, though forecasters say late-winter snowfall is still possible.

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