Potholes Canal Breach
The evening of March 6, 2024 the Potholes Canal developed a leak that resulted in a breach of the canal at approximately mile 59.4, just west of the corner of Cherry Drive and Dogwood Road, in Franklin County. South Columbia Basin Irrigation District (District) crews worked throughout the night of March 6/7 to control the release of water from the canal as best the situation would allow. Water from the canal breach flowed south and south-east from the breach location impacting the PE59.4 irrigation lateral, farmlands, and county roads until the flow of water out of the canal was stopped.
Manager John O’Callaghan says he “…is relieved that no one was hurt or injured, as far as we know at this time. District crews worked diligently throughout the night to address the immediate problem. The District will be making every effort to restore service to area farmers to provide irrigation water in time for spring startup. After the safety of the public and our employees, providing our water users with irrigation water is the District’s priority.”
The District is assessing damage and the affected area, mobilizing equipment to the canal repair site, and developing a plan to address the multiple issues at stake.
Farmers, water users, land and property owners can check the District website at www.scbid.org or contact the District at 509-547-1735 for information regarding damage claims.
