12 Oregon Counties Under Drought Designation

Three more Oregon counties are covered by drought declaration.  Governor Tina Kotek declared drought emergencies in Coos, Klamath and Wheeler counties.  Forecasted snowpack, temperature, precipitation and water supply conditions suggest that drought conditions in the counties are unlikely to improve in the near-term. 

Coos County 

As of April 28th, all of Coos County is in moderate drought. Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) values over the last 12 months and water year to date (WYTD) have corresponded with moderate to severe drought for all of Coos County. Over the last 12 months and WYTD, precipitation in Coos County has been just below normal (70-90%). 

Klamath County 

As of April 28th, 70% of Klamath County is in moderate to severe drought. SPEI values over the last 12 months and WYTD have corresponded with moderate to severe drought for much of Klamath County. Snow water equivalent (SWE) in the Klamath Basin (as of 4/27) is 4% of normal. Over the last 12 months and WYTD, precipitation in Klamath County has been just below normal (70-90%) for most of the county. 

Wheeler County 

As of April 28th, over 97% of Wheeler County is in severe drought with the remainder of the county in moderate drought. SPEI values over the last year and WYTD have corresponded with moderate to severe drought, and even extreme drought in parts of the county. SWE in the John Day Basin (as of 4/27) is 2% of normal. Over the last 12 months, precipitation in Wheeler County has been below normal. WYTD precipitation has been just below normal (70-90%) for much of the county. 

These Declarations Unlock Tools To Help Those In Impacted Areas

The Governor's office said drought conditions are expected to significantly affect Oregon’s farms, ranches, recreation and tourism sectors, drinking water availability, fish and wildlife habitats, and other natural resource-dependent activities. Extreme dryness will likely shorten the growing season, decrease water supplies, and increase wildfire risk. 

The drought declaration unlocks emergency tools for affected communities, including assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD). 

In March, the Governor declared drought in Baker, Deschutes, and Umatilla counties.  That was followed by a declaration in April for Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow, and Wallowa counties. The Oregon Water Supply Availability Committee and state natural resource partners continue to monitor water conditions closely. 

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