YAKIMA – The Washington Department of Ecology declared a statewide drought emergency Tuesday due to critically low snowpack threatening summer water supplies.
Despite normal winter precipitation, Washington’s mountains hold only half their usual snowpack. Warm temperatures caused precipitation to fall as rain rather than snow.
“If you look at our mountains, the challenge we are facing is clear,” Governor Bob Ferguson said. “We’re taking emergency action to protect fish, farmers and communities across Washington.”
This marks the fourth consecutive year of drought declaration and fourth statewide emergency since 2015.
Washington depends on gradual snowmelt to fill streams and reservoirs. Without sufficient snowpack, rivers run low and temperatures rise, harming fish.
“Going into April with half of our usual snowpack is alarming,” said Casey Sixkiller, Ecology’s director.
Farmers anticipate reducing irrigation or avoiding planting fields. Low streamflows threaten fish, and reduced snowpack raises wildfire risks. Forecasts predict above-normal temperatures through June.
December flooding eliminated early snowpack. Winter temperatures ranked third highest on record since 1895.
“Precipitation has been basically normal when averaged statewide, but it’s been really warm,” said Karin Bumbaco, state climatologist.
Climate change is increasing snowpack droughts from once every five years in the 1990s to 40% of the time today. Research projects 70% of years will see snow droughts by the 2050s.
The declaration enables $3 million in emergency grants and expedited water permits. Seattle, Tacoma and Everett utilities don’t anticipate customer impacts, but residents should contact local utilities about conservation measures.
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