COID canal breach in SW Bend causes flooding, closes sections of trail near Deschutes River Trail

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – An irrigation canal breach on Central Oregon Irrigation District property along the Deschutes River led to some flooding overnight that closed sections of the Central Oregon Historic Canal Trail near the Deschutes River Trail on Saturday, officials said.

The Bend Park and Recreation District advised trail users to take extra precautions to travel around the temporarily closed trail sections on the west side of Brookswood Boulevard to the river trail

Craig Horrell, managing director of the irrigation district, said the breach was caused by “faulty electrical equipment.” He said they worked with BPRD to close pedestrian traffic along their ditch road so repairs can be made safely.

COID staff were working on repairs Saturday, so BPRD urged people to avoid the area and abide by caution tape and signs.

The park district said its “trails crew will need a few days to assess trail conditions and make improvements, so patience is appreciated.”