Washington State Declares Drought Emergency for Fourth Straight Year

On Wednesday, Washington state officials declared a statewide drought emergency as snowpack conditions fell below last year’s levels, marking the fourth such declaration in as many years, OPB reported.

According to Washington Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller, “widespread shortages and challenges across our state” are expected. “Going into April with half of our usual snowpack is alarming,” Sixkiller said. “Issuing a drought emergency now helps water users prepare for what is likely to be a very difficult summer. This is becoming an all-too-common experience and is another example of how climate change is visibly reshaping our landscape.”

The Department of Ecology said above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation are expected through June. A drought declaration is issued when water supply falls below 75% of normal, enabling the state to distribute $3 million in grants and expedite water-right permits.

While Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett began drought planning over the winter and do not expect significant impacts, other parts of the state may face water shortages. Despite precipitation reaching 104% of normal between October and February, much of it fell as rain rather than snow due to warmer conditions, limiting mountain snowpack accumulation.

Snowpack serves as a critical water reservoir for the state, supporting hydropower, agriculture, and ecosystems during the summer months. Officials noted that 2026 snowpack levels are worse than in 2025, continuing a trend of more frequent droughts. Since 2015, Washington has declared four statewide drought emergencies, with drought conditions affecting parts of the state in seven of the past 10 years.