Snow in the Mountains, Drought in the Basin: Water in Central Oregon 2 CE

Central Oregon's attractively sunny climate is complemented by the snowy Cascade mountains. How is it that these mountains receive hundreds of inches of precipitation every year, yet we live in a "high desert"? And why are farmers in Jefferson County going bankrupt for lack of water while green lawns and gushing irrigation canals abound? This workshop will inform participants about the fundamental hydrology of the Deschutes Basin as well as the intricacies and consequences of the Oregon Water Code.

Participants will leave with a greater appreciation of the remarkable water resources that we are blessed with as well as ideas about how a growing Central Oregon community can provide enough water for everyone.

2 CE Credits

Taught by:

Hal Wershow

Geology Professor, COCC