Drought Advisories Issued For Much Of Washington

OLYMPIA, WA — State ecology officials this week issued drought advisories for most of Washington, tapping for the first time an early warning tool created by the legislature last year. Unlike formal drought emergency declarations, the advisories serve as a public caution to be mindful of developing drought conditions and potential water supply issues ahead.

This week's announcement follows the driest March and April recorded in Washington since 1926 and the fourth driest since statewide records began in 1895. The advisories are in place for most areas outside Puget Sound, including all counties east of the Cascades, and portions of Southwest Washington and the coast.

Officials said farmers and ranchers in Eastern Washington were already reporting early signs of crop stress. Even with recent rain, the state Department of Ecology said much more would be needed to turn things around.

"We're dealing with long-term precipitation deficits which take more than a day's rain to alleviate," said Jeff Marti, a water resources planner. "For example, the Spokane Airport has experienced the lowest amount of precipitation for the Feb. 1 to May 24 period, going all the way back to 1881. It needs more than 4 inches of rain to get back to normal."

Although Washington's mountain passes saw more snow than usual this winter, providing ample water supply for Puget Sound, other watersheds depend on spring rainfall to support non-irrigated crops and food sources for livestock. Officials said the Pend Oreille, Walla Walla, Spokane and Snake basins also received less water than usual from early snowmelt, along with higher than average temperatures in April.

Even though Puget Sound is spared from the drought advisories, officials said it's important to keep the conditions in mind for those who are traveling to other parts of the state this summer, where fire dangers are rapidly increasing.

For Washingtonians living in one of the areas under a drought advisory, the state is also soliciting observations and photos to help them keep tabs on changing conditions.