Why groundwater makes the Deschutes so unique

This winter has been a refreshing change from the recent past. Central Oregon’s snowpack is 138% of average. Skiers are ecstatic and irrigators look forward to plentiful water supplies this summer as the snowpack melts and releases water into our rivers and reservoirs.

Historically, Central Oregon sees these large snow events from time to time. People have compared this past winter with that of 1993 or even 1996. What’s important to note is that these huge snow events do not happen regularly and we can’t plan on them.

When we get a significant snowpack, it’s a gift from nature. Much of that water makes its way down through highly permeable volcanic landscape and into the groundwater system. This groundwater then bubbles up as springs that recharge the Deschutes River, contributing 80% of its flow in the lower reaches of the Deschutes.

This special groundwater connection is one of the primary reasons why the Deschutes River is considered so unique.

Stay tuned to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more interesting facts this week in honor of National Groundwater Week.