Researchers have shed new light on the vast underground water reserves beneath Oregon’s Cascade Range. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals an enormous aquifer containing over 80 cubic kilometers of water, three times the capacity of Lake Mead.
Led by University of Oregon earth scientist Leif Karlstrom, the team used deep drill holes created decades ago to explore geothermal energy resources to map the extent of underground water. By measuring temperature at various depths, they were able to estimate the volume of water stored in the rocks.
The aquifer is a “continental-size lake” stored in the mountains’ top layers, much like a big water tower. However, scientists caution against treating this discovery as a sudden water windfall that can alleviate droughts and growing water demands in the region. Climate change poses a threat to the region’s snowpack, which relies on precipitation and melting snowpack for replenishment.
The actual volume of water under the Cascades could be even larger due to incomplete mapping from existing drill holes. As Grant noted, “If we don’t have any snow or get a run of bad winters without rain, what will that mean?” The team’s findings highlight the importance of considering the long-term implications of climate change on regional water resources.
Source: https://www.opb.org/article/2025/01/13/researchers-find-vast-water-supply-beneath-central-oregon-cascades