Northwest Soils Continue To Dry Out

In Washington, over 80% of the state is considered Abnormally Dry for this time of year, a significant jump from the 53% reported this time last week.  Currently 23% of the state is under a D1, or Moderate Drought designation, unchanged from last week.  Currently, none of the state is under a D2 or D3 designation.

Oregon is drying out as well, with over half of the state Abnormally Dry for this time of year, up from the 36% reported during the final week of May.  In addition, the percentage of Oregon under a Moderate Drought designation doubled this week to 16%.

Idaho Numbers Unchanged To Start June

Idaho showed very little change in soil moisture numbers this week, with 61% of the state Abnormally Dry for this time of year, up 1% week-over-week.  The D1 designation was unchanged, holding at 23%. 

While it continues to dry out in the Northwest, the region is fairing much better than other areas across the west.  For example Arizona, southern California, Utah and Colorado all have D3, Extreme Drought designations  While Nevada and New Mexico are reporting D4, Exceptional Drought designations for the first weekend of June.

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