Umatilla County Declares Urgent Drought Amid Severe Conditions

UPDATE: Umatilla County has officially declared a drought after experiencing a significantly drier winter, with county emergency manager Sage Delong confirming that the entire county is under moderate drought conditions, and approximately half is facing severe drought. This declaration was approved during a regular meeting on March 4, 2023, highlighting an urgent situation that demands immediate attention.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that conditions are particularly dire in the eastern part of Umatilla County, where low precipitation levels have severely impacted soil moisture, runoff potential, and water supply outlook. Delong noted that despite recent precipitation, the overall deficit remains concerning, stating, “These conditions persist despite recent precipitation and reflect an ongoing seasonal deficit.”

Current snowpack levels are alarmingly low, measuring between 15% to 45% below median, raising fears of inadequate irrigation water for farmers. If conditions persist, there could be severe implications for municipal water supplies and an increased risk of wildfires, underscoring the necessity for immediate action.

By declaring a county-wide drought, the county is paving the way for the governor to potentially declare a state of emergency, which would unlock crucial resources for farmers, ranchers, and emergency management. County Commissioner and Board Chair Dan Dorran emphasized that this declaration could lead to federal funding for agricultural producers and strengthen partnerships with state agencies. Dorran anticipates that the governor will make a decision regarding the emergency declaration within the next two weeks.

Local water expert JR Cook, founder of the Northeast Oregon Water Association, highlighted the importance of this declaration for facilitating water transfers from the Columbia River. This measure is vital for protecting the region’s groundwater system, which farmers rely on in emergencies. Cook stated, “The declaration just makes it easier and quicker for the state to get the water we have to the most valuable crops.”

While the timing of the declaration may seem premature, it is crucial for farmers to understand their water resources for the upcoming year given the low snowpack. Cook insists, “There’s no realistic way to make up the shortfall,” emphasizing the adverse conditions that farmers are already facing. He warned, “We’re too far along to not see major impacts. This is probably one of the worst perfect storms for agriculture we have seen for decades.”

Despite the ongoing challenges, the region has been proactive in developing a resilient water supply system over the past decade. Cook noted that improvements in aquifer storage and recovery have helped build resilience against drought conditions. “You can’t plan for a drought year the year it happens,” he explained. “If we did not have those this year, we’d be in really bad trouble.”

As the situation continues to unfold, Umatilla County farmers are bracing for a tough year ahead. The declaration of drought not only highlights the immediate need for assistance but also reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable water management practices in the face of climate variability.

Stay tuned for further updates as the governor’s decision looms, which could significantly alter the agricultural landscape in Umatilla County. The urgency of the current drought situation continues to escalate, and immediate action is required to mitigate its effects on the community and economy.