One of the things I find fascinating about the Treasure Valley area around Boise is the way this high desert area has been "claimed" back from the sagebrush and made wonderfully capable for supporting everything from farms to subdivisions. Of course the Boise River and its watershed make that possible on a natural level, but on another level, the man-made system of reservoirs, diversion dams, and irrigation canals and ditches is what truly makes it happen.
One of the largest irrigation districts begins filling its system this Monday. Where ever you go in the valley, you don't go far without crossing or running parallel to "the ditch". Some of the larger canals have names that a lot of people know. The New York Canal is the large canal that takes off from the Boise River southeast of Highway 21 and Warm Springs. It runs all the way through the valley and flows into Lake Lowell on the west end near Nampa. And the Ridenbaugh Canal takes off from the Boise downstream from the New York, near Barber Park. You can find some of the other names on the map, but most call them all "the canal" or "the ditch". The Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District has more than 500 miles of canals, and is responsible for the delivery of water to over 64,000 acres throughout the Treasure Valley. It serves agricultural, as well as commercial and residential customers, through both ditch and pressurized systems. Irrigation water is usually maintained until the beginning of October each year.
Last year's snowpack was about 130% over normal, and made for not only high Boise River levels throughout the spring, but provided more than ample water for all. And although this year's snowpack is running about 70% of normal, the reserves from last season should make for a fairly normal irrigation season. Spring precipitation, especially late snow in the mountains (which we don't look like we are going to get), and then summer temperatures, will determine how we fair. Aren't you glad that you're not the one who has to figure all that out?!
A word of caution, while we are talking about it. Once the water is "turned on" the ditches take a few days to fill up. This last week has been spring break for many area schools, and I've seen any number of kids exploring and playing in the dry canals. If you live near a canal, remind your kids not to play in or around the ditch. The water is fast, can carry a lot of debris, and is extremely cold. You won't hear it coming. Be safe!
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