Temperatures in the lower Deschutes River

This summer has been off to a difficult start in Central Oregon. Air temperatures throughout the region have been noticeably higher than average with new high temperature records set across the region. Water temperatures have also been high, prompting the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) on July 1st to institute additional angling restrictions in the lower Deschutes in order to protect the river’s native fish.Worse, sockeye salmon and spring Chinook are dying in the lower stretches of the river, likely due to water temperature-caused stresses – the photo below was taken on July 9, 2021. 

Earlier this week we noticed a dramatic drop in the water temperature below the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project.  We have been told by Portland General Electric (PGE) that the cool water release was due to a maintenance issue. Regardless of the reason for releasing bottom water, the benefit to the river is undeniable. Within 48 hours a substantial drop in water temperature extended the entire length of the lower Deschutes River from the Rereg. Dam to the mouth. 

The DRA supports ODFW instituting additional angling restrictions in the lower Deschutes in order to protect the river’s native fish. It is, however, ironic that ODFW has penalized anglers for elevated water temperatures that PGE could easily be lower with simple operational changes at Pelton Round Butte. PGE has shown many times that they can lower water temperatures in the Deschutes River downstream from the dam complex without infringing upon license agreements.

Both ODFW and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) are agencies whose missions include protecting the fish residing in the lower Deschutes River from the conditions currently present. They should be raising the alarm when water temperature is harmful to fish. With the angling restrictions enacted by ODFW they are very aware of the dangerous conditions for fish. 

Article 405 of Pelton Round Butte’s operating license empowers and requires PGE to take immediate protective actions when fish are being killed, harmed, or endangered. They must take all appropriate actions to prevent further and continued fish loss. With fish dying, it is clear that they must continue to release the cooler bottom water into the lower Deschutes River – making the temporary changes permanent through the end of the summer. 

We have implored both agencies to take immediate action via letters to ODFW and ODEQ.  We encourage everyone who loves the lower Deschutes River to contact the agencies curt.melcher@odfw.oregon.gov and whitman.richard@deq.state.or.us demanding that they act immediately. Click here for sample language.

PGE has both the ability and the responsibility to do the right thing for the river and fish. Unfortunately, they appear to be unwilling to do so without pressure.