Lava tube causes ‘significant breach’ in C.O. Irrigation District canal, forcing shutoff for emergency repairs

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Central Oregon Irrigation District said Sunday it has turned off its Central Oregon Canal for emergency repairs after a lava tube caused a “significant breach” in the floor of the canal.

COID officials advised users Sunday morning that the canal, which delivers waters to users in Bend, Alfalfa and Powell Butte, would experience “a drop in flows” due to an emergency repair that would be completed “as quickly as possible.”

 They said they expected to return to the current delivery flow rates once repairs were complete.

However, in an update late Sunday afternoon, COID said the repair “will require the assistance of additional resources,’ so for now, “The Central Oregon Canal has been completely turned off.” They said updates regarding the timeframe would be posted to the irrigation district’s website “as they become available.”

The breach between Ward and Gosney roads "is a significant hole," COID Managing Director Craig Horrell said.