Snowpack Disappointing At This Point

Despite near record snow accumulations in the lower elevations, snowpacks across Washington are below average for this time of year.  In fact, NRCS’ Scott Pattee said the snow pack numbers have gotten worse over the last couple of weeks.

“The month of January really beat us up, that cold snap that we had, then we didn’t see much moisture at all.  So the total precipitation for [Central Washington] is only about half of normal for the month of January.”

Pattee said there is no reason to panic at this point.

“We’ve still got plenty of time to catch some good snow, but unfortunately, I’m not seeing it in the forecast, and the forecasts aren’t strong for a lot of precipitation in the short term.”

Pattee added, like last winter, the Northwest enjoyed steady rains in the fall months, which ensured reservoirs were filled.  However, he said that won’t be a benefit in the late spring or early summer months.

As of Thursday morning.

• The upper Yakima Basin snowpack is 71% of normal
• The lower Yakima Basin snowpack is 83% of normal
• The Central Columbia Basin is 87% of normal
• The Walla Walla Basin is 108% of normal

Pattee acknowledged the likelihood of Washington snowpacks hitting average this year, is pretty slim.

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