Northwest Remains Very Dry

Despite recent rain and snow showers, the Northwest remains very dry.

The latest topsoil numbers from the USDA have 92% of the state of Oregon Abnormally Dry, 84% under a Moderate Drought, 69% of the state under a D-2, or Severe Drought, while nearly 30% of the state is under a D-3 or Extreme Drought. That extreme drought extends across the central portion of the state from the California border to almost the Columbia River, with other pockets of Extreme Drought in the southwestern corner of Oregon.

Washington’s drought numbers look better that Oregon’s, but there are areas of concern, specifically in the central part of the state. Right now 59% of the Evergreen State is on par with where it should be this time of year. The only region that is dry is east of the Cascades, where we see nearly 3% of the state under a D-3, or Extreme Drought designation.

Idaho is in a similar situation with 35% of the state reporting average soil moisture levels. However roughly 5% of the state is under a D-2 or a D-3 designation, primarily in the Blaine County area.

There is reason for encouragement as a system is expected to roll in to the Northwest this week, brining much needed precipitation.

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