Washington Declares Statewide Drought Emergency

A statewide drought has been declared for Washington.

The state is facing a snowpack at historic lows, dwindling rivers, and irrigation districts cutting off water to farmers. “We’re really starting to feel the pain from this snowpack drought,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “Impacts are already severe in several areas of the state. Difficult decisions are being made about what crops get priority water and how best to save fish.”

Currently, the Washington Department of Agriculture is projecting a crop loss of $1.2 billion as a result of the drought.

Drought declarations on March 13,2015 compared to May 15, 2015. (Photo Credit: EcologyWA)

“This drought is unlike any we've ever experienced,” said Washington Department of Ecology Director Maia Bellon. “Rain amounts have been normal but snow has been scarce. And we’re watching what little snow we have quickly disappear.”

The Natural Resources Conservation Service looked at snow sites in Washington on May 1^st, finding 11 of them snow-free for the first time ever. In April, the U.S. Geological Survey said that 78 percent of the streams in the state were running below or much below normal.

Washington is reporting that the Olympic Peninsula, which would normally have 80 inches of snow at this time, has flowers like glacier lilies blooming.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Experience WA

State agencies are working to relieve hardships from water shortages, and the Department of Natural Resources is expecting more early-season and higher-elevation wildfires. Farmers and communities with hardships can apply for drought relief funds for solutions like drilling water wells and getting pumps and pipes to move water.

“We have some tough, challenging months ahead of us,” said Inslee. “We’re ready to bring support and relief to the hardest hit areas of the state. We’re going to do everything we can to get through this.”

While the summer looks like it will be dry in the Okanagan as well, the general manager BC Fruit Growers’ Association says they’re prepared for possible drought and don’t expect significant crop loss.