UPDATE: Umatilla County has officially declared a drought following an unusually dry winter, with emergency conditions impacting farmers and residents. This urgent announcement was made during the county commissioners’ regular meeting on March 4, 2023, highlighting a moderate drought across the entire county, with severe drought affecting nearly half of the area.
According to Sage Delong, the county’s emergency manager, the eastern side of Umatilla County is experiencing the most severe drought conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that these alarming conditions continue despite recent precipitation, which has proven insufficient to replenish the region’s soil moisture and water supply.
Delong stated, “These conditions persist despite recent precipitation and reflect an ongoing seasonal deficit impacting soil moisture, runoff potential, and water supply outlook.” Current assessments reveal that snowpack levels are alarmingly low, ranging from 15% to 45% below median levels, raising concerns over irrigation and municipal water supplies as the growing season approaches.
This declaration is critical; it allows the governor to declare a state of emergency, unlocking vital resources for farmers and ranchers grappling with dwindling water supplies. County Commissioner and Board Chair Dan Dorran emphasized that state endorsement could lead to federal funding and enhance state agency partnerships. He expects a decision from the governor regarding the emergency declaration within two weeks.
Local water expert JR Cook, founder of the Northeast Oregon Water Association, underscored the significance of the drought declaration in facilitating water transfers from the Columbia River. These transfers are crucial for preserving the region’s groundwater resources, deemed a “lifeline” in emergencies. Cook expressed that the declaration would help ensure that water is directed towards the most essential crops, stating, “The declaration just makes it, in a short water year, easier and quicker for (the state) to get the water we have to the most valuable crops.”
While it may seem premature to declare a drought this early in the year, farmers are anxious to understand their water availability for the upcoming growing season. Cook warns that with less than half of the median snowpack, it is unrealistic to expect significant recovery, stating, “Even if we had a really, really wet spring, that doesn’t allow you to catch up on snowpack.”
This year poses additional challenges for farmers due to anticipated high input costs, including fuel and fertilizer, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions affecting global markets. Cook noted, “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.”
The region has made strides in developing a resilient water supply system over the past decade. Experts have been focused on improving aquifer storage and recovery to enhance groundwater sustainability. Cook emphasized, “You can’t plan for a drought year the year it happens. That’s why we’ve been building these regional systems.” Without these systems, he warns that the situation could be dire.
As the drought declaration unfolds, farmers in Umatilla County brace for a challenging year ahead. Should the state declare an emergency, it may alleviate some challenges, enabling producers to better strategize their growing seasons. The community watches closely as officials navigate this urgent situation, with the hope that timely interventions can mitigate the impacts of this significant drought.
