WA State Declares Drought Emergency Bracing For a Dry Summer

Water is vital to the Yakima Valley and it's in short supply this year. It's so short that the Washington State Department of Ecology has declared a drought emergency.

THE LACK OF WATER WILL IMPACT MANY DIFFERENT AREAS OTHER THAN AGRICULTURE

Ecology officials say it's because of the lack of snow in the mountains. That means everyone is planning for a dry summer. That dry summer means bad news for growers, fish and hydropower. State officials say while they expect some more snow in the mountains before the end of the month it's not going to be enough to bring things back to normal.

NOT ENOUGH SNOW FELL IN THE WA CASCADES

This past winter was a challenge because of the El Nino weather pattern and state officials predicted the state could see a short water year because of the lack of snow however they were hoping that wouldn't happen but it happened.

THE CURRENT SNOWPACK IS LOW FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR

Currently the Washington State Snowpack is at 63% of normal. However the Lower Yakima Basin is sitting at 46% of normal. Warm weather is on the way sooner than later and that could quickly melt a lot of the upper mountain snow that helps keep water available say state officials. The drought declaration comes after state officials say they expect to see less than 75% of water the state sees on a normal year.

THE ACTION BY THE STATE OPENS UP FUNDING

The action by the Washington State Department of Ecology opens up help for all those who depend upon the water like irrigation districts, tribes and local governments. Grants of $4.5 million will be made available to help ease the impact.