Oregon Drought Emergency Expands as Coos, Klamath and Wheeler Counties Face Worsening Conditions
Governor Tina Kotek declared the third drought emergency this year yesterday, this time in Coos, Klamath, and Wheeler counties.
Drought Emergency Declared in Coos, Klamath, and Wheeler Counties
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Coos, Klamath, and Wheeler Counties are experiencing moderate and severe drought, with extreme drought in parts of Wheeler County.
As a result, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued Executive Order 26-08 yesterday, directing state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance.
Overall, 12 of Oregon’s 36 counties are now under a drought emergency. Snowpack, temperature, precipitation, and water supply conditions forecast suggest that drought conditions are unlikely to improve in the near term.
Sources: Oregon Governor’s Office drought declaration, U.S. Drought Monitor and Oregon Water Resources Department
Dailytidings.com
Coos, Klamath, and Wheeler counties are facing persistent moisture deficits. While precipitation hovers between 70-90% of normal, critical indicators like the SPEI reflect widespread moderate to severe drought.
Conditions are particularly dire in Wheeler, where 97% of the area sees severe intensity. Snowpack has nearly vanished, with the Klamath and John Day basins reporting a staggering 4% and 2% of normal SWE, respectively.
Oregon’s farms, ranches, recreation and tourism sectors, drinking water availability, fish and wildlife habitats, and other natural resource-dependent activities are likely to be significantly affected. Similarly, extreme dryness could shorten the growing season, further decrease water supplies, and increase wildfire risk.
The drought declaration unlocks emergency tools for affected communities, including assistance for local water users and expedited review processes through the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD). Under the declaration, state and local officials will coordinate with federal partners.
Conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM).