After a growing season shadowed by drought warnings, emergency-level snowpack deficits, and reduced water allotments, Jefferson County's farming community has closed out the 2026 irrigation season — and the news is somewhat better than feared.

The North Unit Irrigation District shut down water delivery on schedule on October 9, concluding a season that tested the resilience of farmers across the county.

A Season That Started With Alarm

Heading into 2026, state officials warned the season could rival the devastating 2015 snow drought, when historically low snowpack triggered emergency drought declarations in 25 of Oregon's 36 counties. The North Unit's board responded in March by approving reduced water allotments:

  • 1.30 acre-feet per acre from the Deschutes River (down from typical allocations)
  • 0.65 acre-feet per acre from the Crooked River

The cutbacks reflected deep concern about Wickiup Reservoir — the primary storage source for North Unit patrons — and the broader multi-year precipitation deficit affecting Central Oregon.

Wickiup Held — But Some Farmers Felt the Pinch

Despite the early alarm, Wickiup Reservoir levels held through the growing season and the district maintained its planned irrigation schedule through the October 9 shutdown date.

That said, farmers with junior water rights felt the squeeze during the summer. Water curtailments for junior rights holders went into effect in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties as early as July, affecting hundreds of patrons across multiple irrigation districts in the region.

Harvest Wrapping Up

With irrigation water off, harvest is now underway or winding down across Jefferson County. Primary crops include potatoes, wheat, hay, and onions — the agricultural heart of the county's economy.

The North Unit Irrigation District serves approximately 57,000 acres of irrigated farmland across Jefferson County, making it the backbone of local agriculture and one of the largest irrigation districts in Oregon.

Eyes on 2027

With another La Niña-influenced winter pattern possible, farmers and water managers are watching early snowpack reports closely. The district and county extension services are expected to hold town halls this fall to review the 2026 season and begin planning conversations for 2027 water management.

For Jefferson County's agricultural community, the 2026 season is a reminder of the tight margins that define farming in a high-desert river system — and the importance of water planning, storage, and conservation heading into an uncertain climate future.