Highline Pipeline Project

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The goals of the Highlight Pipeline Project were to improve instream flows and water quality on the East Fork Hood River, increase operational efficiency for East Fork Irrigation District (EFID), and improve irrigation water reliability for EFID patrons. This was accomplished by piping the 12,000-foot Highline Lateral diversion ditch.

Increasing streamflows in the summer significantly benefits ESA-listed threatened populations of winter steelhead, spring Chinook, and coho salmon. Low summertime streamflow on the East Fork has been identified as a primary limiting factor to the recovery of these species. Irrigation diversions for agriculture, on average, withdraw one-third of the flow in the Hood River during the summer. EFID has a water right of 120 cubic feet per second (cfs), which it diverts from a single point on the East Fork Hood River. During peak irrigation season, EFID can divert up to 85% of natural streamflow. In part, this is due to the extensive remaining network of open canals and end spills, which lose 20 to 25 cfs that could otherwise be left instream at the point of diversion.

EFID’s open canals also negatively impact irrigation water reliability and operational efficiency. During drought years, EFID struggles to balance irrigation demand with streamflow needs for fish. In addition, maintaining ditches requires an extensive amount of staff time to clean out debris and repair damage from the winter and control algal growth in the summer.

In April 2018, the new Highline Pipeline began serving irrigation water to patrons on 320 acres along the west side of Middle Mountain between Gilhouley Road and Iowa Drive. Historically, the 2.2-mile open canal lost approximately 0.7 cfs of irrigation water (315 gallons/minute) due to seepage and two end spills. Now that the system is piped and pressurized, water is available “on-demand” as irrigation water is turned off and on at each turn-out. The pipeline has increased reliability and water quality for irrigators, and protected 0.5 cfs to improve stream flow for fish.

The Watershed Group secured the Oregon Water Resources Department grant that provided $566,230 for the project. This was matched by funding from the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and in-kind labor from EFID.

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These photos show the process of laying the new pipeline in the footprint of the canal and the completed, buried pipeline.

Construction of the fish ladder

EFID Diversion Upgrade

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The East Fork Irrigation District (EFID) Fish Passage and Diversion Upgrade was implemented in the summer of 2013 to improve EFID diversion operations and ensure fish passage up the East Fork Hood River.

Since the February 1996 flood swept down the Hood River Valley, EFID has been challenged with maintaining and operating their push-up dam and irrigation diversion above Tollbridge Park. The near-record flows changed the upstream channel configuration, making the channel less passable for steelhead and salmon populations.

This upgrade involved the installation of a pneumatically-operated Obermeyer weir, to replace the existing rock push-up dam, and a new diversion structure. The weir lies flat against the channel bottom during the off season to allow for natural river flows. During irrigation season, the weir plate is remotely raised and lowered by inflatable rubber bladders, allowing the diverted amount to be adjusted based on water demand. The upgrade also included a fish ladder to provide passage around the diversion when it is raised. EFID agreed to pass at least 15 cfs down the bypass reach for the 5 years following the project. During that time, flow was evaluated and future operating processes defined.

Construction of the project was done by Crestline Construction. The company began preparing the site in early June 2013. In-water work, including installation of the Obermeyer weir, connecting the fish ladder to the river, and removal of the existing rock weir, and final construction was completed in the fall of 2013. Erosion control measures were put into place for the winter. The construction site was revegetated in spring of 2014.

Funding and assistance was provided by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (CTWS), Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), EFID, Title II, and the Watershed Group.

  • EFID's old diversion and push-up dam
    EFID’s old diversion and push-up dam.
  • Construction began on the fish ladder in June
    Construction began on the fish ladder in June.
  • The East Fork Hood River flowing through the river channel again and over the new Obermeyer weir
    The East Fork Hood River flowing through the river channel again and over the new Obermeyer weir.
  • EFID's old rock push-up dam on the East Fork Hood River
    EFID’s old rock push-up dam on the East Fork Hood River.
  • During construction the East Fork Hood River was run through the bypass channel on the left. The bypass was unblocked once the East Fork channel was diverted into the canal.
    During construction the East Fork Hood River was run through the bypass channel on the left. The bypass was unblocked once the East Fork channel was diverted into the canal.
  • Building the coffer dam
    Building the coffer dam.
  • CTWS and ODFW conduct a fish salvage in the de-watered East Fork channel
    CTWS and ODFW conduct a fish salvage in the de-watered East Fork channel.
  • Construction of the fish ladder
    Construction of the fish ladder.
  • Installation of the Obermeyer weir into the bed of the East Fork Hood River channel
    Installation of the Obermeyer weir into the bed of the East Fork Hood River channel.
  • The Obermeyer weir is installed. Construction continues on the diversion structure
    The Obermeyer weir is installed. Construction continues on the diversion structure.
  • The diversion structure includes multiple gates that can be opened or closed to control water intake
    The diversion structure includes multiple gates that can be opened or closed to control water intake.
  • Preparations for the Obermeyer weir
    Preparations for the Obermeyer weir.