YAKIMA, Wash. – Water supply experts emphasize the need for more snow to improve the drought situation in Washington State particularly in the Yakima area.
The Water Supply Availability Committee, comprising experts from state and federal agencies, meets monthly to evaluate Washington’s water supply conditions.
The committee noted a report by the Washington State Climate Office that a prolonged dry spell resulted in the 5th driest January on record.
Temperatures for Water Year 2025 have been above normal, tying for the 18th warmest October through January period. Precipitation has varied, with Western Washington experiencing below-normal levels and Eastern Washington seeing above-normal amounts.
As of February 13, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service reported the statewide snowpack at 87% of normal. The Yakima area faces particular concern, with reservoir storage at just 32% of normal and snowpack in the Upper and Lower Yakima basins at 86% and 82%, respectively.
The Yakima reservoir system, managed by the federal Bureau of Reclamation, is at its lowest since 1971, prompting concerns about drought recovery in the Yakima Basin, which would require above-average snowpack for improvement, according to the Department of Ecology’s release.
The Department of Ecology said it will continue to monitor conditions for signs of recovery, and drought response funding is available for addressing ongoing impacts from the 2024 drought.
