nrcs

While temperatures are warming across the Northwest, snow remains in many of the higher elevations, especially in Oregon.  The statewide snowpack is currently 134% of average.  Matt Warbritton is with NRCS said the 2024-2025 snow year was a good one for several portions of the state.   “Espe...

Like other programs under the USDA’s umbrella, NRCS has undergone budget cuts because of the Trump Administration’s effort to trim federal spending.  Matt Warbritton with NRCS said those cuts have translated into the termination of three staff members, leaving five full time positions to cover Washington, Oregon and northern California.   “Across that...

Snowpacks across Idaho are looking very good as we head into the final weeks of the snow season.  When it comes to individual basins across the Gem state, most are at or above normal for this time of year, with the one expectation being the Coeur D’Alene-St. Joe in norther...

Typically, here in the Northwest, the snowpack’s high-water mark is April 1st, meaning the region has only a few more weeks, or perhaps months on the snow season.  When it comes to the Oregon, Matt Warbritton with NRCS says the statewide snowpack is pretty robust right now.   “...

Matt Warbritton with NRCS said the Washington snowpack is not encouraging for this time of year.  He noted that many basins, most of which are in the Cascades are in deficit just a month before the typical apex of snow season.  He added one of the regions that’s of greatest concern is central Washington.  He noted the Upper and ...

After months of concern, it looks like irrigators in Idaho can breathe a small sigh of relief, after the snowpack made considerable improvements between January and February.   “We've had a lot of big storms come through the area and so we've seen the snowpack really improve, especially from the Salmon Basin through the south," said Erin Whorton with NRCS.  "So, wes...

Unlike its neighbors across the west, Oregon’s snowpack is in very good shape for this time of year.  Matt Warbritton with NRCS said there are several states across the west, such as Washington, experiencing a snow drought.  The Beaver State he noted is on the opposite end of that spectrum.   “And especially ...

USDA is withholding funds from farmers for conservation programs, despite the White House stating last week that funds to individuals would not be frozen.  Contractors for conservation programs also have been affected by a funding freeze.  The Iow...

NRCS Idaho is out with its February Water Supply Outlook Report.  According to NRCS, snowpack percentages compared to normal decreased significantly, thanks primarily to a abnormally dry January.  As of February 1, basin-wide snowpack percentages range from 68% to 119% of normal.      ...

For the higher elevations of Washington, the current snowpack is a bit of a disappointment.  Currently only four basins are at or above average for this time of year, the Lower Snake-Walla Walla, Lower Columbia, Klickitat, and the Lower Pend Oreille.   ...