Emergency management officials are reporting that the flood waters in Umatilla County continue to recede, but are asking residents to continue to take caution.
The Bureau of Reclamation reported the inflow is dropping and the rate is currently at 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) from McKay Dam. The goal is to reach a rate of 1,200 cfs by today through a gradual decrease. The figure was at 2,350 on Monday.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal returned the command back to local authorities Tuesday afternoon. Both the city of Pendleton and Umatilla County will continue to work in partnership as they transition into recovery stage.
Struve Bridge at Kirk Ext., in the City of Pendleton, has been opened for resident access. The water levels are flowing freely below the private bridge located near the city of Pendleton Wastewater Treatment Plant.
It is still recommended sandbags remain in place for the time being.
A community meeting is scheduled at Sherwood School located at 3235 S.W. Nye Ave., Pendleton, this evening at 6 p.m. to provide information to the community members being affected along McKay Creek. Representatives from agencies involved will be present to provide information pertaining to the flooding.
