OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Ecology (WSDOE) declared a statewide drought due to low snowpack and a dry forecast. 

According to the WSDOE, snowstorms are mainly behind us. Washington experienced an exceptionally dry start to winter, with only some moisture made up in February, March and April.

"There is simply not enough water contained in mountain snow and reservoirs to prevent serious impacts for water users in the months ahead," WSDOE said. "By moving quickly to declare a drought, we can begin delivering financial support to water systems with drought impacts, and work with water users to find solutions to challenges before they become a crisis."

$4.5 million will be available in drought response grants to qualifying entities impacted by current drought conditions. WSDOE said they are working closely with other state agencies to coordinate a drought response.

Seattle, Tacoma and Everett are excluded from the drought declaration as recourses in these cities make them more resilient to drought conditions.

WSDOE said this drought declaration is a continuation of the 2023 drought emergency, which covered 12 watersheds across Washington. The 2023 drought declaration was scheduled to end on June 30 this year. The new statewide declaration will continue into 2025. 

According to WSDOE, Statewide snowpack currently stands at 68%, with the Olympic Mountains, Lower Yakima and north Puget Sound experiencing significantly lower snowpack. Streamflows in many basins are below 75% of normal.

To learn more, visit the WSDOE conversation page.

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