Washington Snowpack Improves

The Washington snowpack continues to improve.  Latest figures place the statewide average at 108%,  NRCS’ Scott Pattee said this wet and cold winter has been a welcomed relief following 2015.

“This time last year we were in a downward spiral and were out of control basically, melting what little snow we had left, we were melting it off rapidly.  So, holding on to this snow this year, is just a boon, really.”

Pattee told the Washington Ag Network the Northwest snowpack could continue to build between now and April 1^st, but even if snow levels start to decrease, this year’s snowpack is great news for Central and Eastern Washington farmers.

“Especially over in those irrigation regions we picked up good snow and we’re holding on to that snow, temperatures have cooled off the first half of this month from where we were last month the melt, slowed down considerably so that’s defiantly good.”

Pattee added this year’s above average snowpack is also good news for the Forest Service as well as fish across Washington.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (590) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com