An interim order from Oregon Water Resources Department announced on Thursday gives OWRD charge of Upper Klamath Lake but has not specifically impacted the flushing flow of around 40,000 acre-feet from Upper Klamath Lake that occurs each spring to reduce health risks associated with a parasite called C. shasta that affects juvenile coho salmon.

The order urges the Bureau of Reclamation to stop releasing stored water from Upper Klamath Lake except in accordance with the relative and respective state law rights, unless the agency provides OWRD with information in writing, such as the timing and rate of the release of stored water as well as the sources of legal authority for each release. The interim order was posted at the Link River Dam on Thursday.

hdillemuth@heraldandnews.com; @HollyDillemuth