Drought Response
Drought declared in Yakima Basin watersheds
Ecology issued a new drought declaration for the Upper Yakima, Lower Yakima, and Naches watersheds covering parts of Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton counties due to low Bureau of Reclamation Yakima Project storage after back-to-back droughts in 2023 and 2024.
Ecology also issued a drought advisory for watersheds in the counties of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King, Pierce, Okanogan, and Chelan. A drought advisory indicates areas that may develop drought conditions, but these areas have not met the state thresholds for drought conditions. These watersheds were included due to concerning levels of snowpack. The areas served by the utilities of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma do not anticipate any impacts to water supplies due to managing early for snowpack levels and healthy reservoir storage.
Washington State agencies announce drought declaration at media event in Seattle
A drought advisory indicates areas that may develop drought conditions. No impacts are anticipated to areas served by the utilities of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma.
Related links
Contact information
Caroline Mellor
Statewide Drought Lead
caroline.mellor@ecy.wa.gov
360-628-4666