Public Response to the Emergency Evacuation of Ochoco Reservoir in Oregon

On December 14, 1993, the Bureau of Reclamation announced an emergency evacuation of Ochoco Reservoir in central Oregon to protect the downstream conmunity of Prineville (see location map). The outlet gates were opened and the reservoir was drained of approximately 10,000 acre-feet of storage. This action is causing considerable economic hardship in the conmunlty as 8,000 acres of irrigated farmland dependent on Ochoco Reservoir are without water.
The reservoir evacuation was the culmination of many years of Safety of Dams Program investigations. Concurrent with engineering and geologic investigations, Reclamation conducted an intensive public involvement program involving water users, interest groups, local agencies, and the general public.
Public involvement efforts greatly contrl buted to Reel amati on' s abi l I ty to evacuate Ochoco Reservoir wl thout legal action to prevent draining or major public opposition. This paper highlights Reclamation's experience with the public throughout the period of investigations, the public reaction to draining Ochoco Reservoir, and lessons learned from this experience.