Ecology Declares Drought in 12 Counties

Washington Department of Ecology Declares Drought in 12 Counties

Early snowmelt, a lack of spring rain, and low streamflows have prompted Ecology to declare a drought emergency  for 12 watersheds in parts of Skagit, Whatcom, Clallam, Kittitas, Yakima, Snohomish, Jefferson, Walla Walla, Columbia, Okanogan, Benton, and Klickitat counties. In these watersheds, forecasted runoff continues to be below the state’s statutory threshold for drought conditions. That threshold is met when an area is expected to receive less than 75 percent of normal water supply and there is a risk of undue hardship for water users and the environment. We rely on streamflow forecasts provided by the National Weather Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service and also consider data for precipitation, soil moisture, and other factors.